Lights, Camera, Action – Sitara’s Launch, A Performance Not to Be Missed.
Words by Hebe Bower-Morris
A typical Thursday evening would normally include some form of studying in the library waiting for an appropriate time before calling it quits and going home. This Thursday, however, was different, and a hell of a lot more fun.
I went to Sitara’s Launch Party, and this was not a launch to miss. For starters, there is always some sort of buzz around when the students of St. Andrews are lining up to get on the coach and leave the three streets. Everyone was dressed to the nines in their best cocktail attire, eagerly waiting to see the venue. For the first time, I had not been whisked to Kinkell Byre, which as lovely as it is, can feel like a one-shot destination for us St. Andrews kids. On this occasion, we were transported to Falside Mill, and as soon as we pulled up to the venue, the beautiful fairy lights surrounding the building signaled to me that we were in for a treat.
After being handed a free glass of champagne upon entry, we glided into the first room, the crowd murmuring with excitement, anticipating the start of the show. After a few minutes, in which we finished our drinks, we were able to move into the main hall where the catwalk was set up. The room itself was fantastical, with the catwalk boldly in the centre of the hall, and orbs of light set alongside the length of the stage, prepped to create a spectacular atmosphere.
The show began with a performance of classical Chinese music on the stunning Guzheng, which set the scene for a breathtaking show, and once the models started to emerge from behind the red velvet curtains, it certainly did not disappoint. The opening piece was a duo between models, dressed in a white and blue textured suit and dress, with dripping material and pieces of fabric. With Sitara’s own name embroidered in, the multitextured suit immediately captivated the audience with its hanging ribbons and 3D motifs, generating the sensation of the pieces floating across the runway. At first, I wondered whether the show was trying to advocate against global warming, as the many details on the suit appeared to be made from an array of multi-use plastics moulded into haute couture. However, this colour scheme and design varied drastically from the pieces that followed, focusing on original heritage pieces with Indian, Afghan, and Persian influences tied throughout.
“Sitara challenges stereotypes and celebrates Asian lifestyle and culture, something that has always been underrepresented in St Andrews, and aims to provide a safe space for often underlooked cultures and identities to be represented”
– Sitara 2022
That is what makes Sitara so refreshing. Being able to see heritage pieces from Asian culture represented on a catwalk far from home at such a close vicinity was such a rewarding experience because it is so close to the hearts of St. Andrews students. One of my favourite pieces was a traditional Afghan dress; its bell-cut sleeves created a stunning silhouette, which paired with the intense embroidery on the bodice, silver couching details throughout, and exquisite silver broaches hanging from the piece itself. The model had slicked-back hair, styled by Spoiled Hairdressing, and simplistic makeup with a matching shade of eyeshadow, which highlighted the vibrant colours of the dress further. This was the perfect decision as the dress was so powerful and intoxicating to look at that any more focus on hair and makeup would have been too much.
The pieces ranged from brands such as Kestin and Lapaz with their combination of chic earthy tones creating a modern yet sophisticated look for the catwalk to fresh brands such as A Place You Won’t Know, which showcased their motifs and label amongst everyday-wear hoodies and T-shirts (which I now will have to buy for my best friend who couldn’t take her eyes off the hanging pieces in the foyer). Our very own Keyona Fazli’s gorgeous ‘REBIRTH’ pieces were also showcased, encapsulating Sitara’s image of heritage with modern-day runway looks. I was blown away by the composition of Fazli’s white two-piece with gathered off-the-shoulder sleeves, ruched into the bodice, creating a ripple like effect within the piece. This light elegance of the colour palette is juxtaposed wonderfully against the words on the trailing bow at the back of the piece in Farsi – a line from Iranian poet Forough Farrokhzad’s poem ‘There Will Be Sun’, which instils hope that light will emerge from the ‘dark shadow’ within her soul.
There really was a piece for everyone at the launch: each model’s unique aura was captured in the wonderfully styled pieces, leaving me with little to critique. Even though my feet were aching, I was overwhelmed for my love for fashion and textiles once I laid eyes on such exquisite pieces. Whether it was the array of tulle dresses with off-the-shoulder sleeves and hanging multi-coloured ribbons, or the deconstructed corset dresses which flowed with ease my attention was grasped throughout. I personally loved seeing the deconstructed pieces hinting at past, present, and future through their construction of modernity and traditionality because of the enrapturing hybridity it created.
There are simply too many pieces that I fell in love with instantly on the catwalk, but this isn’t the only factor that made the launch so special. It was the interlinked performance aspect, whether it be the models’ choreographed steps, the musical performance, traditional Indian dance, or a literal sword show - this was one of the most memorable nights I have had the privilege to attend at this university.
I would like to congratulate all of those involved in the launch – models, designers, team, and more for such a successful show and beginning of your year, and I cannot wait to see the full show next semester.
