Ethical fashion show
A student-run ethical fashion show took place in the Third Space in aid of One World Week, a week aimed at celebrating diversity throughout the University.
The show was a marked success, with fashion astute students filling the seats to watch fellow students parade the catwalk, sporting clothes made solely by designers that emphasise the need for a sustainable future through ethically sourced materials. Collections were taken to raise money for the charities supported by RAG this year (Breast Cancer Awareness Research, Kickz, and Firefighters’ Charity), with the audience responding generously.
A student shows their ethical fashion sense - picture by Krish Mistry
Designers on the night included; Wombat, Cause + Effect, bibico, Izzy Lane, Epona and Frank and Faith. All brands claim to be made using ethically sourced materials and to be FairTrade affiliated. Innovative looks were created by the hair and make-up team, compromising of student volunteers from both campuses of Highbury College.
The night was organised by Pugwash Magazine Editor Steph Hall and Volunteering in Portsmouth (VIP) President Amy Baker. The event was hosted by Steph Hall and Gamel Oki, a member of UPSU staff. Once the microphone was his, Gamel delivered some witty ad-libs off the cuff, to the amusement of the crowd. Half time entertainment was provided by the Break-dance Society and the Sikh society, who rounded off the night by enticing the audience, models and organisers up to the catwalk for a celebratory dance.
Speaking after the show, all of the organisers praised the models involved for volunteering to parade themselves in front of their peers. Steph Hall also remarked: “It’s been a success, we knew a fashion show worked, having held them in previous years. We are so grateful to all the designers and delighted that so many people see the need for ethical clothes”.
A report from the show, featuring the organisers, will be available for viewing on screens around campus and on Blip.tv from Friday 7th May. The Union’s TV group, UPSU TV, have also compiled a report, due to be aired soon.
The total amount of money raised from the fashion show will be announced shortly, but the key message the organisers wanted us to take away was that ethical fashion needn’t sacrifice value or style.
