A devoted team, two charities, nineteen models and over 900 attendees – the crunch numbers for this year's Dont Walk Charity Fashion Show in St. Andrews.
This past weekend, we were invited to attend the annual student-run fashion show, Dont Walk, in St. Andrews, Scotland. The organization started over twelve years ago with the intention to raise money for the victims of the 9/11 tragedy and has since stayed true to its ethos of combining art, fashion and philanthropy through more of a spectacle than a formal fashion show.
This year's event saw a collaboration with Croatian charity CWWPP and ANICHRA, based in Cameroon - two smaller and more independent charities that would achieve more immediate impact than larger organizations. Through the course of the night we were able to recognize the various ways in which these charities truly formed the theme of the show - from the designs to the production to even the tablecloths. The organization succeeded in creating something not only beautiful, but also meaningful. It was truly able to combine the essence of charity, fashion and thrill.
After almost a decade in the same venue, the committee, Co-Headed by Executive Director Kristofer Gravning and Creative Director Alina Abouelenin, decided to relocate Don't Walk - best known for its spotlight on Kate Middleton the first time Prince William saw her - to a large farm in a small Scottish town some twenty minutes away. The venue evoked a sort of New York warehouse feel; we immediately understood the choice. The guests were invited to sit at chic tables surrounded by dazzling lights and glittery details, sip champagne and enjoy the company of their well-dressed friends. Candid photographs of the models were projected on the walls for entertainment before the show started.
The show commenced with a powerful spectacle - the models entered in all white holding canvases, surrounded by fog, and walking to a beat that captured the audience’s full attention. This symbolized futuristic angels bringing the message of peace to the audience. While PFW was still in full swing, Don’t Walk dismissed all clichés and traditions of the big catwalks in London or Paris. The women’ fashion was filled with seductive, chic, provocative and memorable pieces. Graphic t-shirts, jeans and bathing suits were what encompassed the fresh, cool and casual menswear.
Instead of straight faces, the models were invited to smile at the audience, blow kisses to their friends and celebrate with quirky dances, evoking a feeling of good vibes throughout the audience. The first half of the défilé was filled with contemporary and innovative fashion, ranging from brands such as Arjan B to AdD.
The second half of the show was curated with a theatrical representation of the empowerment of women and minorities. This was promptly followed by a bang – a lot of skin and sheer fabric. The models welcomed the audience back in intricate lingerie pieces, long black silk trains, statement jewelry and sleek swimwear by the likes of MOEVA, Vaslav, THFKDLF and even creations by Alina Abouelenin.
Dont Walk 2014 was nothing but entertaining, wild, provocative, fresh, fun, quirky and charitable, and the audience was kept wanting for more. The organization should be proud of the professional work they were able to bring to the venue and the stage – we are excited to see what will come next.
DONT WALK CHARITY FASHION SHOW:
Webiste: http://dontwalkfashion.com/
Blog: http://blog.dontwalkfashion.com/
Text by Tanya Richard
Pictures by Victoria Jin and Tanya Richard
