A Night On The Town: VS Sprezzatura

On Friday, 15 November, I braved the frigid arctic blast to make my way to the St Andrews Town Hall for Sprezzatura, VS’s 2025 fashion show launch. Sprezzatura, an Italian word for effortless elegance, coined in the sixteenth century by Baldassare Castiglione, symbolised a transformation for the fashion collective. Formerly known for their hip hop music and edgy clothing, VS debuted a new and more classic look, fully transitioning from street style to classic elegance — props to Creative Director Ines Tramarin. 

Upon entering the Town Hall, guests were greeted with the opportunity to check their coats, beneath which was a variety of black tie and cocktail attire, and offered a complimentary glass of champagne and a Combini bowl depending on their ticket. Starting at £18, a standard ticket included show admission only. The next cheapest, at £22, included a welcome drink, Combini bowl, and reserved seating. And the most expensive ticket, priced at £27, offered a reserved seat, afterparty ticket (hosted at the Rule), and complimentary glass of champagne at both the show and afterparty. 

While a somewhat untraditional venue for a fashion show, I was pleasantly surprised by the set-up. Framed by arching, pale blue ceilings — fitting well into the theme — the chairs were set up bleacher style, giving everyone in the audience both a comfortable seat and an excellent view of the stage and floor where the show was to take place. As guests slowly trickled into the main room, they were serenaded by upbeat, yet mellow music from artists such as Train and Norah Jones. 

A few minutes after 9pm the lights dimmed and the show began, with model and Head Choreographer India Kolb appearing in a gap on the stage framed by curtains and intense lighting. The first section of the show began with the models strutting across the stage and floor space in black, suited looks much to the enjoyment of the audience, many of whom had brought signs to cheer on the models. Following the opening set, the models appeared in black tie attire with choreography that mirrored a classical dance scene — think Pride and Prejudice with pop music. 

Next up was the peak of the show — the lingerie section. Several models appeared lined up on stage in long black overcoats, which they proceeded to drop one by one to reveal black lace sets. They offered up sultry struts across the stage before disappearing, only to be replaced by models in pure white attire, who then proceeded to the floor to form a cross — a bold and intentional metaphor. 

Despite several technical difficulties with lighting and music, the models offered professionalism and talent, and the show was an enjoyable and fast-paced experience, highlighted particularly by the engaging and intentional choreography by Kolb in collaboration with Tramarin, which offered up a taste of the edginess VS has been historically known for. If their launch is any indication, the show won’t be one to miss. 

Photo: Cecilia Ryan