For the second year running, the Fashion Society and LGBTQ+ society have teamed up for their Charity Fashion Show in aid of Trans Mutual Aid Manchester. The show aimed to represent queer artists, models and designers in outfits donated at their clothing drive which was held a week before. All profits raised went to Trans Mutual Aid, “set up to help trans and non-binary people in Greater Manchester support each other through direct action.”
There was an amazing array of looks on display throughout the night, and it later turned into a full-on party with DJ KEMI providing tunes for the runway and live music from bands Banana Undertones and Humongous Fungus. There was also a killer drag performance from Drag King Captain Richard Hardon right after they had finished walking the runway.
The Show
Academy 2 was transformed into a double-row catwalk, where models would strut all around the room for every member of the audience to see. Doors opened at 7pm and the show kicked off just after 7:30 – Academy 2 was packed. There were multiple photographers at every turn to get the best angles for each model.
Every seated ticket was provided with a Pride flag and keychain for when the show began, and a well-stocked bar was on hand to get the party going. As you entered Academy 2, the tunes –provided by killer DJ KEMI– were blasting and creating an electric atmosphere. Academy 2 soon filled up with an eager audience ready to see some great looks.
Before the models hit the runway, organisers Anou Stubbs, Tyler Edwards, and Honor Grear made a speech about the importance of Trans Mutual Aid and thanked all those who helped to make the show possible, and then the show began!
Down the runway was an eclectic mix of current trends – Y2K mini skirts and fur coats – but also renewed and restyled second-hand pieces which showed off the designers’ talents. One of the stand-out looks was on model Nayo, who walked down the runway in a floor-length white gown, hands bound with red rope and lace blindfold.
A personal favourite look of the night was on model Nico, who sported one of their own designs – a white lace midi dress with fur-trimmed slip and styled it with red knee pads, fingerless gloves, and other red accessories. Nico was the first model to strut, and opened the show with a bang.
Outstanding makeup and hairstyling
Makeup and hairstyling were provided by a small team of makeup artists, headed by Amrit Bath. Arguably, the makeup was the stand-out of the night, elevating every outfit that went down the runway.
Each look meticulously matched the model and the outfit they chose and impressive skills were showcased, such as glittering tears on model Ishita Somwanshi and a golden mask on model G.
Hairstyling also made a statement, with braids, clips, and sunglasses tying all the looks together. Clearly, a lot of thought went into makeup and hairstyling for the event and put the looks over the top.
After-show party
After the show was over, the organisers had a host of entertainers available to keep the party going. First, drag king Captain Richard Hardon gave a performance to remember. They also supplied fabulous live music from local bands Banana Undertones and Humongous Fungus, the former saying how it was “genuinely a massive honour” to perform at the show, and Humongous Fungus calling it an ‘”incredible experience.”
There was also a silent auction held post-show, where bidders could purchase select items worn by the models with every bid also contributing to Trans Mutual Aid. This writer, unfortunately, couldn’t bid because she is pretty skint at the moment, but there were plenty of amazing items up for sale.
Overall, the show was a huge success, reminding the audience of the importance of queer expression and talent in the fashion world. The night raised just over £1000 for TMAM and the Charity Fashion Show won Fundraising Event of the Year at the SU Awards 2024! The organisers, models, and everyone else involved should give themselves the biggest hug for a great show.
Read more about the show here, and about last year’s Charity Fashion Show here.
