Just before the half time I had the privilege of attending BHASVIC's very own textiles fashion show, a showcase of this year’s final pieces and a true celebration of all the talent our college has to offer.
As parents and friends alike trickled into the main hall ready to see what the students had spent the last six months working towards a sense of pride and excitement filled the room. We began the nights event with a talk from BHASVIC's Head of Visual Arts Sally Richardson. It was here that we learned what GUM the name of the fashion show meant. She described the process of sticking these pieces together, shining a light on what tireless work and passion the year thirteen students had put into making these outfits come to life. Taking an idea and turning it into a reality.
Along with everyone else in the room, my excitement grew at the sound of murmuring models backstage making their way to the doors for their big entrance. A short moment later the music began and they were off, each one of them wearing a uniquely brilliant piece gleaming with delight
Whether it was a structured look or a whimsical ensemble each model strutted down the runway highlighting the effort students had put in to crafting their final pieces. While the models confidently glided through the room, the designers huddled close to the back watching anxiously for the light to hit their months of work.
After a short break the second round of outfits made their way through the room the sound of applause and chattering audience members bounced off the walls. Unlike the first round, these outfits were made individually by the designers and showcased their use of colour and texture enormously. Each look individually theirs, whether it was a two piece or a flowing gown the sense of creativity and pride from designers, models and audience members alike made for an electric atmosphere.
I had the opportunity to talk to some of the designers before the show, we had discussions about what inspired these pieces and how they feel going into the nights show. One designer Finley Allardyce explained to me the process of screen printing on to trousers and his initial inspiration from the London Underground. While another Emma Rochford made a dress inspired by her grandma. This level of diversity in design concepts was mirrored in the nights show each piece uniquely crafted by hand.
Having creative outlets is so important, students doing art, textiles, drama, music and photography as well as so many more make up a massive portion of BHASVIC. Seeing textile student's work and dedication being celebrated in such a wonderful way made for a delightful evening.