5 minute read
Nude Runway Show
from Fabrik AWSS20
Graphics by Miriam Chumbley
THE NUDE RUNWAY SHOW
An event that can only be described as “So fucking good,” Fabrik Sussex made their name known around Brighton in an ambitiously loud display to bring their motto of “Reclaim, Redefine and Empower” to life. Fabrik Sussex’s first runway was held on the 27th of October 2019 with around 300 people in attendance, giving us a glimpse into the shining future of the first fashion magazine at Sussex University. By showcasing the magic of melanin, destroying the stigma behind sex work, and even having Adam and Eve blessing the runway; the audience loved it. With the theme decided as nudity, three weeks would be spent planning top secret concepts, booking facilities, marketing and promoting. Meetings were taking place left, right, and centre for all involved, and this was only a taste of the upcoming intensity.
Here are the key moments from the run-up to the show.
10 days until the Runway: Casting The theme of nudity was a big one to tackle, and finding people who wanted to model was the first major hurdle. An open casting call was sent out for the nude fashion show, and within hours social media had worked it’s magic and the Fabrik inbox was full. The casting call was bustling with magnificent bodies of all shapes and sizes. The atmosphere was calm and collected as details and measurements were written down, and one by one the models entered the room before our selected panel. Fivedays until the Runway: Collaborations This is a nude runway, so what will our models be wearing? Think lace, think leather, think minimal. One-off, bespoke, and hand-made clothes by Flock and Snoopers Attic in Brighton, as well as clothes donated by the Fabrik team, breathed life into a wholly sustainable wardrobe.
Four days until the Runway: Fitting As the stylists set up their stations, models began to fill the room. This was the day for the stylists to finally bring their concepts into reality. The sounds of 2010 pop icons playing on the speakers accompanied the buzz of chattering, with an undercurrent of nerves sprinkled in for good measure.
24 hours before the Runway: Rehearsals. With the day of the runway dawning, it was time to piece everything together and get rehearsals going. The lights turned on, the speakers turned up, and the models took their first steps down the runway. The secret performance by Nav Rahman was a surprise for all involved; a spectacle kept under wraps from even Fabrik members. Co-Editor, Yazz, said “I asked Nav to be a model because I knew she would be perfect for that stage. I asked her to bring back her performance days and give an epic and empowering show for our runway.” Nav took to the stage to rehearse a concluding performance which would be a culmination of everything Fabrik stands for.
Post Runway: How did it go? By showcasing Fabrik’s vision through the use of political statements and tackling social justice, Fabrik will continue to push boundaries and leave its impact as Sussex University’s first fashion publication. A publication that opened doors for people to access fashion for the first time. To make people come together because of fashion, as fashion is universal; Fabrik wants to showcase fashion in all forms with a non-elitist approach. A huge thank you to all of our collaborators at Flock and Snoopers Attic who, without them, the show would not have been possible. To work with such reputable and wonderful brands on the first runway show was far more than Fabrik could have ever asked for.
Article by Bradley Goodspeed & Charlotte Roberts
Sketches by Brittany Chippendale
Brittany’s concept was based off the pro-sex work movement. Traditional feminism often leaves out pro-sex work from the mainstream narrative so we wanted to challenge this. In order to redefine sex work, glamour was an essential component. Brittany’s look was created using thigh high stockings and matching suspenders, paired with a delicate lace corset from Snoopers Attic. Placed on top was an oversized faux fur beige coat, which Brittany slipped off mid-catwalk. Nav’s look embodied the power of femininity. The cream 1960’s style corset from Snoopers Attic snatched her waist, and paired with her ‘thicc’ thighs, she was this generation’s dream. As she finished her walk off she surprised the audience with a performance, dancing and lip-syncing to Lizzo and Gaga. Elegantly draped over her shoulders was a fur slip to tie the outfit together. The look was finished off with heavy contour and a slick high pony-tail. This was arguably the look of the night, celebrating the beauty of trans women of all ethnicities.
This look was inspired by the overarching theme of the runway which was nudity in all its forms. Maria expressed how she had once struggled to accept her body, and consequently labelled the runway as one of the most liberating experiences. Her strong poses were symbolic of empowerment and this was felt throughout the audience. The words written across her body critiqued body standards within the media, whilst being paired with uplifting words. The look was simply created with body makeup, her face sporting natural makeup to allow her beauty to shine through. Monty’s concept toyed around with hard and soft masculinity. Despite being a visually masculine white male, Monty was comfortable with showing both sides. Monty’s slim frame was contrasted with black leather bondage garments, including a jock-strap that exposed his petite bum cheeks, paying homage to sub/dom culture with the contrasting items. He came on stage sporting strong chiselled cheek makeup, showcasing his blade and cracking his whip; a masculine take on redefining sex work, with feminine undertones.
