Nostalgia and Glamour on the Catwalk – FS 2023, Revival
Events editor Nicole reviews Revival, FS’s retro-inspired main show for 2023.
Saying that I’ve been to a fair few events in my time at St Andrews would be a slight understatement. I’ve danced the night away at balls, seen a good number of fashion shows, and yes, I went to the Taylor Swift Bop in January. Yet after the glitz and glamour of the event that has just been named University Charity Fashion Show of the Year by the Scottish Fashion Association – congratulations are in order – I came home to the warm cup of tea awaiting me at my flat with one thought on my mind.
How did it take so long to find the best music I’ve ever heard at any event in the last three years?
Pause. Record-scratch. Let’s rewind a bit, shall we?
My night at Revival, this year’s St Andrews Charity Fashion Show in support of Genetic Alliance UK, began as I followed the bass-heavy music drifting down North Street on a pitch-dark February evening, making my way to St Salvator’s Quad. A more central change from last year’s venue of the Madras Rugby Pitches, I certainly appreciated the local feel of the setting – both as a complement to this year’s theme and to my feet, which were preparing themselves for several hours of standing up and watching models strut down the runway. There was something undeniably transformative about entering the marquee on Lower College Lawn, descending the familiar stone steps into another world swathed in purple and blue light, where well-dressed VIP guests sipped from miniature bottles of Moët and Chandon (one of the night’s several impressive sponsors, in addition to Dior and Tiffany and Co.) as they eagerly chatted about what the evening had in store. As I spoke with attendees, many of them told me that they were looking forward to the theme of the show, which promised aesthetics from the swinging ’60s, to 90s punk, to Y2K nostalgia. Others were simply there to support friends on committee or modelling in the show, but their enthusiasm was no less strong. Several guests had taken the show’s theme to heart as a dress code, putting together outfits that featured vintage or retro-inspired pieces.
As the lights were killed and the venue grew silent, the intro video started to play to the soundtrack of classic rock, invoking the opening credits of a 1960s action flick. The models walked out in shift dresses and crew neck sweaters to raptures from the audience, beginning an opening number that seemed to find its place as a minimalist dance to rock and roll, hopping and stomping to the beat. Revival’s two choreographed numbers – the opening number and the Bond-girl silhouette inspired lingerie and underwear portion that opened the second half of the show – perfectly complemented the theme of the evening. There were plenty of eye-catching pieces on display already in the first few minutes of the show, and I noticed one model wearing the iconic Gyles & George ‘I’m a Luxury–’ sweater made famous by Princess Diana. The sixties portion of the night was undoubtedly my favourite segment of the show, winning me over in two short words: the Beatles. The music video for ‘Help!’ played as models made their way down the runway in printed maxi dresses by French brand Cruz & Pepita, channelling retro, summery nostalgia.
And now we get to the matter of the soundtrack. Revival was organised in chronological order, each segment of the show moving between styles inspired by the various distinct aesthetics of the decades. I definitely found that the theme this year was far more cohesive than last year’s Encompassing Environments, upheld both by the fashion on the runway and the audio-visual production. Mod-style dresses turned to flowy flower-child caftans turned to flares and checks turned to plaid ensembles. And what truly kept the theme going throughout the show was the music. I think some benevolent deity of student-run events had finally answered my call when I heard ‘Help!’ over the impressive sound system of the marquee, with projected music videos helping to set the scene. Then Elvis, then Gloria Gaynor – my raised-on-the-classics-listening-to-burned-cds-in-the-car-with-my-parents music taste was being watered like it had never been before, outside of my customary power-walks across town to the Sports Centre. By the second half of the show, the crowd was raised to a fever pitch as the Black Eyed Peas’ ‘Pump It’ played, followed by a little Francophone flair with Stromae’s ‘Alors on Danse’. Perhaps the only downside, if there can be a downside, to such stellar music was that some people in the very dense crowd started thinking that this was the world’s best club night rather than a fashion show. And while I’d never begrudge anyone a little boogie, I was admittedly afraid of more than a few flying elbows.
It would be difficult to choose my favourite looks of the show, but there were certainly a few that stood out to me, ranging from elevated everyday styles to gorgeous dresses for evenings out. Upcycled denim pants covered in patches and decals by Wash Me Studios mixed vintage thrifting vibes with fashion-forward streetwear, while a feathered and beaded tank top by local student designer Kinu Charité Dadaille found the unexpected meeting point between Art Deco geometricism and Y2K-era Disney Channel dreams. A stunning white jacket and pants ensemble with jutting spikes opened the space-inspired, eighties portion of the show, but unfortunately it was barely visible if you were not standing not in direct view of the central runway. Bonnie Young’s collection of dresses was also a high point of the evening, as well as the flowy patterned shirts and caftans by Blair Borthwick.
The logistical organisation of Revival apart from the fashion show was solid, with a large amount of security, a handful of food options ranging from shawarma to crêpes, and an efficient coat check. The two halves of the show were separated by a charity auction, with the star piece up for grabs being a Tiffany and Co. necklace that was ultimately sold for half its retail price. The featured headliner of the afterparty was Young Pulse, known in the European DJ circuit for his disco-inspired remixes. While I can’t fault FS for their on-theme choice of afterparty act, the food stalls were less plentiful and diverse than at last year’s event (I have very fond memories of the taco stand back in ’22). The omnipresent Shawarma House even had their usual menu somewhat conspicuously pasted over with new prices, and I couldn’t help but remember that I had paid somewhat less dearly at Christmas Ball for their now £5.50 curly fries with cheese. Mes chers amis, it’s just potatoes in funky shapes with semi-melted cheese on top. We are in a cost of living crisis, after all.
To conclude, Revival was a stunning display of fashion that has consistently impressed me with the high degree of professionalism and production value at a student event. The three-person directorial team, Brynn Hanson (Creative Director), Carleton Blackwell (Executive Director), and Maxwell Stroemer (Logistics Director), as well as the committees which they lead, should be commended for producing a show that truly upheld FS’s reputation as one of the biggest events in town. Consistently emphasising their theme in all aspects of the show, FS brought some much needed retro nostalgia to the St Andrews Bubble, and created a memorable, award-winning evening – the soundtrack to which I’ll be remembering for a very long time.
Your home is valueble for me. Thanks!?
Its such as you read my mind! You seem to know a lot approximately this, such as you wrote the book in it or something. I believe that you just could do with some percent to power the message home a little bit, but other than that, that is great blog. A fantastic read. I’ll certainly be back.
Great post. I was checking continuously this blog and I’m impressed! Extremely helpful information specially the last part 🙂 I care for such info a lot. I was looking for this particular info for a very long time. Thank you and good luck.
Pretty component to content. I just stumbled upon your website and in accession capital to say that I acquire actually loved account your blog posts. Any way I will be subscribing to your feeds or even I fulfillment you access persistently fast.
Major thankies for the blog article.Much thanks again. Fantastic.
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I’ve truly enjoyed browsing your blog posts. After all I will be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again very soon!
It’s a game. Five dollars is free. Try it It’s not an easy game ->-> 토토사이트.com
clarinex sale – purchase ventolin online cheap buy albuterol inhalator sale
Im grateful for the article.Really thank you! Much obliged.
There are definitely loads of particulars like that to take into consideration. That could be a nice level to convey up. I supply the thoughts above as basic inspiration but clearly there are questions just like the one you deliver up the place an important thing shall be working in honest good faith. I don?t know if finest practices have emerged around issues like that, but I’m sure that your job is clearly recognized as a fair game. Each boys and girls feel the impression of just a moment?s pleasure, for the remainder of their lives.
Wow, great article post.Thanks Again. Fantastic.
Thank you ever so for you article.Really thank you! Will read on…
The other day, while I was at work, my sister stole my iPad and tested to see if it can survive a forty foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now destroyed and she has 83 views. I know this is completely off topic but I had to share it with someone!
Thanks a lot for your post. I’d prefer to say that the cost of car insurance varies widely from one insurance policy to another, due to the fact there are so many different facets which contribute to the overall cost. For example, the model and make of the automobile will have a tremendous bearing on the price. A reliable older family motor vehicle will have a less expensive premium than a flashy racecar.
medrol 16 mg otc – order azelastine 10 ml sprayer astelin for sale online
I really like and appreciate your post.Thanks Again. Cool.
Good day! This is kind of off topic but I need some guidance from an established blog. Is it difficult to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty quick. I’m thinking about making my own but I’m not sure where to start. Do you have any points or suggestions? Cheers
Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very well written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and return to read extra of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I will definitely comeback.
I have discovered that clever real estate agents all over the place are Advertising. They are recognizing that it’s not just placing a sign in the front yard. It’s really regarding building connections with these traders who someday will become customers. So, when you give your time and energy to encouraging these sellers go it alone — the “Law regarding Reciprocity” kicks in. Good blog post.
Awesome blog post.Much thanks again. Will read on…
Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you
knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates.
I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping
maybe you would have some experience with something like this.
Please let me know if you run into anything.
I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your
new updates.
Hi my friend! I wish to say that this article is awesome, nice written and include almost all important infos. I would like to see more posts like this .
Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it. Look advanced to far added agreeable from you! By the way, how can we communicate?
Thanks so much for the post.Really thank you! Much obliged.
I discovered your weblog site on google and check a number of of your early posts. Continue to maintain up the very good operate. I simply extra up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Looking for forward to reading more from you afterward!?
Thank you for your post.Much thanks again.
micronase online – micronase 5mg pill buy forxiga
Many real estate agents feel overwhelmed at the thought of social media marketing, including creating a Facebook business page and finding the time to keep it updated with fresh and relevant content. In this post, we are going to share with you how SIMPLE it can be… and that you will only have to spend an hour a week. Just follow these simple steps: Whether you are new to the world of real estate or your current strategy doesn’t seem to work, here are our favorite ideas for real estate social media posts. If you’re struggling to find real examples of effective real estate social media posts, you’re not alone. I know plenty of agents (even top producers) who sit staring at their phones waiting for inspiration to strike. You might laugh, but it’s actually a big problem.
https://rafaelttqn295286.jaiblogs.com/47932323/casino-spins-uk
© Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Learn More © Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Chitwood again denounced hateful and violent rhetoric circulating in online fringe groups during that briefing. It was his response to recent hate activity in Volusia County that promoted the anonymous threat in the first place. The boys were subsequently taken into custody without further incident and they were both charged with discharging a firearm and possession of a firearm by a person under 16. The Volusia Sheriff’s Office also confirmed that the boy who pointed the gun at the witnesses who reported the incident was also charged with aggravated assault with a firearm.
Awesome blog article.Really looking forward to read more. Really Great.
I really like and appreciate your blog article.Really looking forward to read more. Awesome.
Major thankies for the post.Much thanks again. Want more.
I am so grateful for your blog post.Really thank you! Cool.