Fash bash "bigger than graduation"

Not even a filthily flaky designer could derail The University Charity Fashion Show as it delivered the best event in its history. The two night extravaganza on Palace Green was hailed “the biggest social event of the year, bigger than graduation” by the lucky attendees. 

Ten chic and sexy lines from Zara, River Island, ASOS, Ann Summers and the university’s very own Verelst sisters amongst others inspired Durham’s notoriously one dimensional fashionistas to look further than 40 Saddler Street for next season’s plaids.

The seemingly inexhaustible organisers were handed a last minute wardrobe malfunction when one designer casually announced she wasn’t turning up, but Durham’s social elite in the audience were too inebriated to notice a fantastic botch job. 

Palace Green hosted 600 guests in a setting that is normally only reserved for graduation and Castle’s June Ball. Tickets, which cost £36 for the “cheap” seats and £48 for the frills and all experience, were completely sold out, with disgruntled students being turned away at the door.

Even Klute added to the night’s exclusivity, turning back the hands of time to make the down stairs area VIP for the after show party only in a move previously reserved for the Durham University Clay Pigeon Shooting Society.

The tone was set with mojitos greeting the expectant crowd and Popolo continued to quench their thirst with liquor throughout the night. 

VIP tables framed the catwalk, adorned with red bull, Klute t-shirts, goodies from Unilever and countless vouchers, offering anything from free sandwiches to haircuts.

There were performances from musicians and dance troupes and a raffle, though arguably the performance of the night came from the One’s very own Will Summerlin, who hosted the auction.

Subway was rumoured to enjoy a bumper night with dozens of hungry models enjoying a well earned foot long at the end of the night.

After rave reviews the bar has been set extremely high. College shows get ready, you have a lot to live up to! 

The One’s fashion show rating:


Playlist: 9.5/10 
This varied and original combination of tunes had me bopping for days. Many have called for a CD to be released for charity.


Choreography: 9.5/10
 A super selection of walks, dancers you are also included in this. We all wish we could move like you.


Outfits: 9/10 
A point has been added here upon discovering that the organisers were given under an hour to put a walk together after a designer casually announced she was no longer coming. Nobody noticed.


Models: 9.3/10 
With the pick of the crop from every college this show was bound to be jam packed full of the finest faces and physiques Durham has to offer. For those of you who got away, there’s always next year.


Value for money: 8.7/10 
Cheaper seats than the year before for a better show. 36 or 48 pounds for a cocktail, wine, the best seats in the house and a table full of goodies? Not bad, and remember it’s all for charity!


Atmosphere: 10/10 
People were being turned away at the door. What can I say; it was “bigger than graduation”.
 With months and months of planning and days and nights spent inside a freezing tent by what seemed to be an inexhaustible exec, not to mention the sprawling marquee parked on Palace Green; this year’s Durham Charity Fashion Show was set to be the best in its history.