Wow, what a show! To the cheers of their fellow students from Rye College and the Studio School, an "outstanding" catwalk fashion show was held in the Milligan Theatre on Friday September 25 as part of the Rye Arts Festival.
The costumes had been designed and made by textile course students, modelled by their friends, with hair and make-up done by another course cohort. The fashion show reflected both contemporary and retro styling and design. The garments themselves were clever and quirky and some were very beautiful, with printmaking on the garments a special delight.
The models negotiated the catwalk, in their vertiginous heels, with style and panache - and some fun moments. They were comfortable and professional in their appearance and manner, and the whole event was very professional in its staging.
The themes? Handkerchief layers to dresses, little two piece outfits, tops and skirts or trousers and simple shifts. Amazing silver jodphurs padded and quilted, and in contrast beautifully draped silk dresses, long skirts flowing behind, in soft shaded blues and purples. These were some of the highlights, but all the designs were good and it seems unfair to single out so few.
This was a really fascinating and well staged event, demonstrating the talent at the Studio School and the future of fashion design. A pity so few, except the students, came to support them.
Photo: Callum Inskip
