DONT WALK: The Night is Brewing
DONT
WALK is renowned as a student-run charity fashion show with energy and style to
burn - or, more appropriately, set aflame. On March the eleventh spirits will
ignite in this year's spectacular model of a show which has electrified St
Andrews for ten years and counting. Here, some thoughts on the journey so far -
and hints at what's expected on the night.
Model Livia Van Strydonck told us about the hectic schedule required to prepare for the show - rehearsals every day except for "free" Monday. All those involved have been piling on hours of preparation, and the result should be a labour of love. Aside from its fashion credentials, the show's central purpose is to benefit charity. This year, proceeds aid Right to Play, which creates opportunities for disadvantaged children to develop and express themselves through sport and play. The show annually insinuates itself into campus life - a series of events held in venues from Ma Bells to The Rusacks hotel have kept the show's presence strong and breaths bated in the lead-up to the big date.
And then, of course, there are the photoshoots. DONT WALK has a well-established relationship with photographer Kayhan, who produces beautiful and envelope-pushing images. Three shoots have been released so far, each maintaining suspense and building this year’s atmosphere. First, a set of stark flash photos against a red background, showcasing often scantily-clad models. The pictures blend sex appeal with a distinctive aesthetic, introducing the models as striking individual personalities. Next, a set of shots luring us into a plush, low-lit blowout - a mixture of elegance and down-and-dirty debauchery where models strip off, pop champagne, and light fires.
The final set of teaser photographs hit the web recently: Helmut Newton-inspired images of "strong, beautiful women" in statement-making '80s make-up and barely-there underwear. The shots hinge on reflections and recordings - models gaze through photo negatives, video-record one another, and peer at their refracted images in mirrors.
Signs so far point to a classic DONT WALK showing: very sexy, unafraid to leap over boundaries, but always expressing a personal flavour quintessential to St Andrews. Last year's show featured a split between minimalist and fairy tale aesthetics, all wrapped up in a striking package which model Arno Brival says "surprised everyone from the opening". What sets DONT WALK apart is a focus on electrified creativity, a dedication to embracing hedonism. Brival emphasizes that his involvement so far has been a "laidback and fun" experience with a "party atmosphere and great music", he adds "It's going to be really good fun."
This year the only tickets available win access to the entire spectacle, lassoing all attendees along for a night jammed with fashion and much letting-loose. DONT WALK will showcase a mixture of high and street fashion, introducing eye candy in the form of original collections from student designers such as Alina Abouelenin. A long, paint-smeared white halter gown from Abouelenin is a taster of the dramatic, creative, party-ready offerings we can expect from her and this year's other designers. One thing is definite: as the show revs up and the anticipated looks rock down the runway, an unforgettable night is brewing.
Alix Chausson and Aurora Hayden
Image: Kayhan for DONT WALK 2011, http://www.kayhan.co.uk
Model Livia Van Strydonck told us about the hectic schedule required to prepare for the show - rehearsals every day except for "free" Monday. All those involved have been piling on hours of preparation, and the result should be a labour of love. Aside from its fashion credentials, the show's central purpose is to benefit charity. This year, proceeds aid Right to Play, which creates opportunities for disadvantaged children to develop and express themselves through sport and play. The show annually insinuates itself into campus life - a series of events held in venues from Ma Bells to The Rusacks hotel have kept the show's presence strong and breaths bated in the lead-up to the big date.
And then, of course, there are the photoshoots. DONT WALK has a well-established relationship with photographer Kayhan, who produces beautiful and envelope-pushing images. Three shoots have been released so far, each maintaining suspense and building this year’s atmosphere. First, a set of stark flash photos against a red background, showcasing often scantily-clad models. The pictures blend sex appeal with a distinctive aesthetic, introducing the models as striking individual personalities. Next, a set of shots luring us into a plush, low-lit blowout - a mixture of elegance and down-and-dirty debauchery where models strip off, pop champagne, and light fires.
The final set of teaser photographs hit the web recently: Helmut Newton-inspired images of "strong, beautiful women" in statement-making '80s make-up and barely-there underwear. The shots hinge on reflections and recordings - models gaze through photo negatives, video-record one another, and peer at their refracted images in mirrors.
Signs so far point to a classic DONT WALK showing: very sexy, unafraid to leap over boundaries, but always expressing a personal flavour quintessential to St Andrews. Last year's show featured a split between minimalist and fairy tale aesthetics, all wrapped up in a striking package which model Arno Brival says "surprised everyone from the opening". What sets DONT WALK apart is a focus on electrified creativity, a dedication to embracing hedonism. Brival emphasizes that his involvement so far has been a "laidback and fun" experience with a "party atmosphere and great music", he adds "It's going to be really good fun."
This year the only tickets available win access to the entire spectacle, lassoing all attendees along for a night jammed with fashion and much letting-loose. DONT WALK will showcase a mixture of high and street fashion, introducing eye candy in the form of original collections from student designers such as Alina Abouelenin. A long, paint-smeared white halter gown from Abouelenin is a taster of the dramatic, creative, party-ready offerings we can expect from her and this year's other designers. One thing is definite: as the show revs up and the anticipated looks rock down the runway, an unforgettable night is brewing.
Alix Chausson and Aurora Hayden
Image: Kayhan for DONT WALK 2011, http://www.kayhan.co.uk