FS2025 SKIN Review

A celebration of the body’s largest organ

The annual St Andrews Charity Fashion Show (FS) has wowed St Andrews audiences for 33 years, and its latest incarnation, FS2025: SKIN attracted masses of glamourous attendees who surrounded the stage, eagerly awaiting their peers turned models to strut down the catwalk.

This year, FS’ chosen charity was Scottish Women’s Aid, Scotland’s leading organisation dedicated to preventing domestic abuse amongst women, young people, and children. The event itself was a pricey affair, with tickets ranging from £70 (Standard) to £90 (VIP). But aided by an impressive list of sponsors that included Aperol, Red Bull, and Moet & Chandon, the night promised to be a professional, well-organised night of stellar fashion. 

A fashion show novice, I entered St Salvator’s Quad with eager anticipation, dressing myself to the nines — ‘the nines’ being H&M, Zara, and the British Red Cross. Glancing at fellow attendees who had actually dressed themselves to the nines, my excitement only grew. This excitement did, however, falter once I found myself in a rather confusing two checkpoint queueing system around the quad which, following being opened, saw fellow attendees screaming and running. While I was rather disconcerted by the sudden movement and noise, I assured myself that shrill screams meant that an impressive show was upon me. Unfortunately, the excitement-suffused guffawing was about as good as it got. 

The venue, a marquee situated within Lower College Lawn, proved to be a sizable space that allowed attendees adequate room to roam and its size meant that bars, provided by the Union, were largely accessible. Unfortunately, I found myself at the back of the crowd and my 5 '7' height proved to be a significant detriment to my view of the t-shaped stage.

SKIN, of course, celebrated the human body’s largest organ. On her vision, Creative Director Astrea Pulcinelli-Triossi stated: “skin is a defining feature of our physical selves, yet we often conceal it with clothing. FS SKIN aims to explore the juxtaposition between fashion and nudity, highlighting that while clothes cover us, they also act as our second skin and can be considered a form of nudity. This paradox presents fashion as the epitome of self-expression: there is no difference between clothed and naked, and one should refrain from sexualising human bodies.”

The show’s dramatic opening, aided by an admittedly excellent use of lighting and visuals, instilled a buzz amongst eager attendees. Awaiting ‘skin’, the crowd initially received very much clothed individuals armoured with their so-called ‘second skin’. It was only as the show progressed that I gradually began to see elements of ‘skin’. Unfortunately, the creative vision of the show was lost on me, and I found myself questioning how blazers and white shirts with rags stitched on them were deemed fitting for a show entitled SKIN. While models donned several stunning ensembles by incredibly talented designers, they seemed counterintuitive to the show’s title. Ultimately, I found the show’s broad theme to be a foundational fault, and its vision ambiguous to the common attendee.

Elsewhere, the choreography’s minimalist approach felt rather bland, and while one can appreciate that the emphasis is on the fashion itself, choreography — another medium for creative expression — had the grounds to bolster the show. The show’s choice of music did, however, excel and I particularly enjoyed the introduction of house music in the second-half’s introduction. Moreover, student saxophonist George Davies’ performance during the second-half was an instant crowd-pleaser that added a joie de vivre to the show.

Nevertheless, aside from the show itself, I must commend the efforts of the committee; their visible pride when they walked out onto the stage upon the show’s conclusion confirmed that the organisation of such an event is a mighty feat. Despite my criticisms, the committee’s dedication is undeniable.

Overall, while SKIN was not without merit, the show failed to meet my high expectations. With extortionate ticket prices (truly, eye-watering) and a convoluted theme, FS dangerously stands on unsteady ground as St Andrews’ flagship fashion show.

Photo by David Buchan