Walking The Walk: Catwalk 2025

When I first matriculated at the University of St Andrews, I had many expectations: rigorous workloads, an unusual (to say the least) nightlife, and centuries old traditions. What I did not anticipate was the number of fashion shows that seem to occupy every weekend of the academic calendar, making it all the more surprising that I have remained a fashion show virgin this long into my university career. Figuring it was time to rectify this, on Saturday 22 February, I attended Catwalk’s 2025 Charity Fashion Show

The theme of choice for this year’s show was ‘Metamorphosis’. A fitting choice, as the theme itself underwent a metamorphosis of its own. The theme was met with a wave of backlash for its misuse of a phrase coined by civil rights activist W. E. B Du Bois. One Instagram story apology and marketing rebrand later, it seemed Catwalk was ready to emerge from the chrysalis of cancellation and attempt to spread its wings once more. 

Excited to finally see what all the fuss was about, I arrived just in time before the doors closed. Despite my late arrival, I was not overwhelmed by the turnout already present. A limited number of guests can make for a uniquely cosy setting, not to mention a smaller queue for the bar. However, the hollowed out dancefloor of 601 felt more empty than intimate.

The show opened with a voiceover introducing guests to the first of four ‘Acts’, followed by an atmospheric mix of clean house beats by DJ Tempo. Act One told a story of unravelling, with geometrically structured workwear literally bursting at the seams. Models were entwined in rope or caged by crinoline as they stomped deadpan down the runway.  

Intermissions between acts were filled with exceptional hip hop dance numbers from the Blue Angels that entranced the audience and kept spirits sky high by breaking up the revolving door of models. The inclusion of a hypnotic ballet solo was a particularly welcomed contrast to the pulsating wash of bright lights and electronic beats. The choreography of the evening created a clever juxtaposition that perfectly captured the show’s evolutionary theme.

But don’t let the avant garde aesthetic fool you! Catwalk is fashion with a cause, and has been raising money for charities for nearly a decade. This year’s line up included Alzheimer’s Research UK, Solidaritee, and Richmond’s Hope. In comparison to the pricing of some other university fashion shows,  Catwalk is certainly on the cheaper end of the scale. Although, a  £30 price tag still asks a lot for a show that lasted under an hour and a half. However, remembering the fee goes towards such worthy causes does make your conscience feel better, even if your bank account does not. 

Act by act, the greige neutral palette gave way to more and more neon elements. By the final act, entitled ‘integration’, models strutted flamboyantly out of the dark with trailing iridescent capes. By its conclusion, Catwalk 2025 had emerged blinking out the dark ready, fully formed, and ready to take off.

Photo provided by Catwalk 2025