Saturday the 21st of February saw the annual Aberdeen University Charity Fashion Show take on the Beach Ballroom. The catwalk transformed students into works of art in support of Grampian Women’s Aid and Men in Mind, with 70 models strutting the runway. Viewers were treated to five categories: Pandemic, Supermarket Chic, Hybrid, Multicultural Kilt Walk and Metamorphosis. The hard work of the 115 people who tirelessly laboured since July paid off in this stunning celebration of student creativity.
Photo by: Scott Carr
The show’s theme, ‘Ashes and Echoes’, represented the days of the pandemic: how we lived through uncertain times and ultimately grew beyond them. The evening opened with grungier looks to represent the dystopian and clinical atmosphere that defined the early days of Covid. As the show progressed, the designs gradually shifted toward lighter, more playful themes such as ‘Supermarket Chic’, reflecting a period in 2020 when going to the supermarket was the only opportunity to socialise. Another theme, ‘Hybrid’, explored the reality of online classes where students dressed professionally for the screen while remaining casual from the waist down. The show concluded by celebrating a range of cultures, mixing denim and tartan to symbolise how we grew and adapted during a difficult time, experiencing a cultural rebirth that echoed the show’s theme of metamorphosis.
The event paired style with substance as raising money for charity was the main aim of the night. I spoke to Mali Nyachae and Mustafa Chughtai (President and Vice President of AUCFS) about why Grampian Women’s Aid and Men in Mind were chosen as the featured charities at this year’s event. Mali stated, “It was really important for me to support something local because it is then directly impacting the community.” Mali went on to explain that having two local charities that collectively help men, women and children was particularly meaningful, as smaller charities do not always receive significant funding. She wanted AUCFS to be different to other, larger university fashion shows which typically donate to national charities. While acknowledging the importance of those organisations, she emphasised that focusing on smaller, local charities could create a more direct impact. Mustafa commented, “We want to make sure we are promoting up-and-coming charities, and we are aiding in the expansion of such charities that really make a meaningful difference in society.” It proved that generosity never goes out of fashion.
Mali and Mustafa- Fashion show organizers. Photo by Warren Cole
Grampian Women’s Aid is a charity that supports women and young people affected by domestic abuse. They were founded in 1978 and are built on the belief that women, children and young people deserve to live free from abuse. Their pioneering volunteers can help so many women and children escape domestic abuse thanks to donations and various funding sources that finance the organisation. CEO Aileen Forbes said, “Grampian Women’s Aid are grateful to the commitment of the students in choosing us as co-beneficiaries of the night, spreading awareness of the growing social issue that is domestic abuse and showing our communities that not only is there support for victims, but we will make a stand together to have a safer Aberdeen for all women.” Men in Mind is a mental health support group that helps men struggling with their mental health through group meetings and peer-to-peer support. They aim to tackle the stigma surrounding men’s mental health by showing there is strength in vulnerability. They commented: “The Men in Mind team are so very grateful for such a brilliant event; the venue, the models, the company, and all the laughter made it truly special. The support means a great deal to us.”
It takes a lot of confidence to step out into the bright lights in front of a sold-out crowd and storm the runway. However, this is exactly what the AUCFS models did, effortlessly carrying the designs and letting them speak for themselves. The clothes that were worn on the catwalk were sourced from a multitude of places. A lot of the clothing seen was acquired from Fit’sIn, a vintage clothing shop in Aberdeen city centre, and The Archive, an online vintage market, as well as charity shops found here in Aberdeen and in Dundee. The rest of the outfits were handcrafted by the highly accomplished AUCFS designers, Dylan Lothian and Mali Nyachae, with the support of their amazing creative team. Their inspired vision created a set of garments which captivated the audience from the models’ very first strut. I spoke to Elina Arsamikova, one of the AUCFS models, who stated, “Modelling for Aberdeen fashion show was such a fun and intriguing experience! It was nice to be part of something so big and work with such a wonderful team.” The evening concluded with a range of University of Aberdeen sports societies walking on stage in their match kit. The Vice Captain of the women’s rugby team, Jess Briggs, walked at the show and later stated, “There is a lot of sexism surrounding women’s rugby and to be on the runway and represent our club so unapologetically felt empowering. I am proud to have been part of something so positive!”
Photo by Scott Carr
The fashion show highlighted the incredible talent at the University of Aberdeen, celebrating the strength found in our diverse cultures, nationalities, body types and unique aesthetics. Mustafa described the evening as “stressful, nerve-racking, and magical” and said that the support from everyone who attended, as well as those cheering on the models, was an incredibly lovely feeling.
There is still time to donate and contribute to two very important charities that really make a difference to our local community. The GoFundMe link is still open and can be found in the AUCFS Instagram bio. So please, if possible, dig deep into those pockets for that loose change, break open those piggy banks, hold back from buying that sweet treat just one time so that you can give whatever you can for these great causes! And, of course, keep an eye out for next year’s Aberdeen University Charity Fashion Show. I’ve heard it will be bigger and better than ever!