DONT WALK 2017: A Launch Like No Other
Tash Waddell reviews the invitation-only launch of DONT WALK 2017.
The DONT WALK Launch (sponsored by Campus Society) was a night of glitz, glamour and spray-painted gold feet occasionally hitting you in the face. It heralded the release of this year’s theme ‘Progress // Regress’ and the movement into a new year for the annual fashion show. Over the past fifteen years, DONT WALK has garnered a reputation of being very unlike FS – with more exclusivity, more edginess, and this year, more flares and chokers.
For this year’s launch, Forgans was an interesting location; it was refreshing not doing the usual Vic circle or sticking to the floors of Ma Bells (likewise, the committee’s decision to use YoYo Wallet for their tickets was an unusual, yet refreshing choice). The bar, though expensive, was more sophisticated and the lack of plastic cups was glorious. The crowd that DW attracts is a fun one, people who are willing to experiment with their style and push a few boundaries, away from the Barbours and Jack Wills that usually haunt our three streets.
Despite the most popular colour worn being black, this did not mean the outfits were boring. There were some really fantastic trouser / top combos worn by the girls, bell bottoms with blousy tops, leather trousers, cigarette pants with crop tops were just some of the various ways this style was exhibited. As expected there were numerous LBDs, but again this was shaken up in a classic DW way – for example, midi lengths, leather dresses with trainers or velvet all featured.
The guys also brought out the DW side of formal dress, with numerous polo necks seen and the odd velvet jacket worn, bringing some sophistication to the potentially messy night.
DONT WALK has recently launched their new initiative DW Music, through which they have selected the most talented DJs in St Andrews to provide music for their events. This aided the launch, as the music was not just the usual clumsily mixed top forty. Instead, there were interesting mixes with new songs and artists featured, prompting people to hit the dance floor and stay there until the rather unexpected ‘lights on’ moment at 1 am.
Although it ended earlier than expected, people were reluctant to leave, showing the sign of a very successful event. The launch created buzz and excitement around the fashion show and, as the best things do, has left everyone wanting more.