Next Monday 16^th June, the runway returns to Trevs’ dining hall once again as Trevelyan Charity Fashion Show takes place. Prior to one of the most anticipated events of summer term, Editor-in-Chief Alice Martin chatted to TCFS Directors Niamh Coyle and Emma Knight to learn more about what goes on behind the scenes.

Emma, a Psychology finalist, handles the logistical side of organising the show and explains how they are “continuing the show on from last year” but hoping to make it “bigger and better”. Niamh, who is about to graduate with an English degree, manages more of the creative side and she spoke about the process of putting the show together. From choreographing the walks to picking the songs, she focused on the “vibe of each walk” and making sure it “all flows together”.

With 21 models involved in the show, all of whom are Trevelyan College students, Niamh explained how ensuring everybody is comfortable is a priority. As director, she is not just “telling people what to do” but wants input from the models themselves. She stresses “if people do not want to do a certain pose or move, it is completely up to them”, and details how they foster an encouraging environment in rehearsals. Niamh and Emma are also keen to make sure TCFS continues, and with six first year students as models, they feel confident students will be eager to carry it on in the years to come.

The show will continue on from last year but will be bigger and better

As for the all-important looks, Niamh explains how she reached out to small, independent brands she found online in order to secure clothes for the show. She prioritised brands set up by recent fashion graduates as a way to help them make their designs more visible.

TCFS is once more supporting Heel & Toe Children’s Charity, based in Country Durham, and which aims to provide therapy to children with a range of disabilities in the Northeast of England. A representative from the charity will be speaking during one of the intervals about the impact of the proceeds and donations from the show. Niamh and Emma detail how the charity is “such a great cause”, especially since as a local charity we are able to “see first hand what the fundraising is for”. It is also an opportunity to “give back to a community that has done so much for us as students”. £19.75 from each ticket sale will go to the charity, and those involved with the show have been busy fundraising too. Models Polly Cameron, Harriet Fraser, and James Gowers climbed Ben Nevis in a caterpillar costume, Rachel Garlake-Louw swam the equivalent of the Channel (34km) in Freeman’s Quay, and Director Niamh ran a half marathon to Seaham with Isabella Chiarotti. Elsewhere, model Gabriel Wyszynski hosted an All You Can Eat Pierogi event. TCFS have set a fundraising goal of £3000, and you can donate here.

As for why people should come, Niamh and Emma highlight the community feeling. It was very important to them that the event takes place in college. To Emma, TCFS represents an opportunity to “show off the tight-knit community” at Trevelyan. The atmosphere on the night is incredibly supportive as “everyone knows everyone and is happy to support all the models”. Niamh, who modelled herself last year, recalls looking out at the crowd and “not seeing ten faces I didn’t know”.

Ticket holders will also receive a cocktail upon arrival and will have the chance to enter a raffle with prizes such as a £50 voucher and a colour analysis. Trevs’ own Grass Fed Salmon will also be performing during one of the intervals.

Emma concludes by saying the show last year was one of her core memories from her time at Durham, and it is undoubtably one of the best events Trevelyan has to offer. It is set to be a great night for all involved, not to mention a final chance to dress up and have some fun before the end of term.  

Tickets for Trevelyan Charity Fashion Show are on sale now and can be bought here.

Image: James Robinson