In conversation: FS and DW, Models

They get to wear the clothes, walk the walk, and become some of the most recognized faces around town: The Stand catches up with the frontline of student fashion, the models themselves. 

Callum Woolley, representing FS, is a 2nd year but first-timer on the catwalk. Anna Gudnason and Mossy Bryson, also both 2nd years, were involved last year and are gearing up for their second show with DONT WALK.

The shows are coming up fast! How’s the prep going?

FS: FS is this Saturday so we’ve had rehearsal every day this week!

DW: DONT WALK is in seventeen days to be exact. Not quite everyday rehearsals yet – twice a week, which is manageable.

FS: That’s more than FS! We’ve had once a week up until now. How long is your show?

DW: Could be up to six hours. Depends how fast we move…

So tell us about how you got involved with the shows?

FS: People take a lot of pride in being scouted for these things, but to be honest the majority of my male friends seemed to have been asked. I suppose it’s more for the excitement than anything else, of being part of the show. Unfortunately unlike these guys I don’t know what the feeling is like, stepping out on to the catwalk!

DW: Yeah just imagine we’re rehearsing in a place where you look down and just see the carpet, not loads of people shouting at you. Doing the show is like living in a box all your life and then going out into the big wide world.

FS: With that analogy, I would suggest that it’s certainly not ‘the real world’! People seem to view other shows, like Sitara or Catwalk, as understanding that they are just student fashion shows, whereas the charge leveled against FS is that it’s trying to be something that’s bigger than what it really is.

DW: Yeah we saw your Alfa Romeo car driving around last night and were just in shock. We’ve got Mosse’s beat up van though! (Watch out for the emerald van, normally seen beach bound)

FS: I think as a statement in the face of FS, you guys should just have ‘DONT WALK’ written on the side. We could have drag races…

DW: North Street drag races! Superb. FS vs DW. It’s on..

Talking of FS vs DW… why did you pick one over the other?

FS: People hype up the FS/DW rivalry! It’s something that’s willed into existence. People want to hear about model bitching but really, there is no issue. I chose FS because the committee were so friendly.

DW: I heard FS was ‘the big fashion show’, and if you get in you’ll be a model for life and make a ton of money, recognized all over the world… maybe not! DW said yes to me and so soon into first year the difference wasn’t all that clear. I thought maybe DW was a lesser show but in fact it’s just completely different. I’m so happy with DW, especially this year’s diverse modelling crew.

How are you being choreographed this year?

DW: ‘Party for three seconds.’

FS: You have to do that?!

DW: Yup. Pat the dog is my signature move. Love to pat the dog.

FS: We don’t have any party moves at all, in fact, I think in-keeping with the FS image, we’re pretty… military?! It’s fun but its very ordered, I need to know exactly what I’m doing and which angle I’m turning in synchronization with a partner.

DW: They really want us to interact with the crowd. That’s how they design the stage every year, for full interaction. It’s nice; you kind of feel like you’re partying with them.

What’s been you’re favourite bit of the whole process?

DW: Getting to know new people, definitely my favourite part. And the show! The show is great too. You get this buzz when you come off the stage; it’s a healthy high.

FS: I like the music mixes: often they’ve never been sampled before, and there’s going to be a great sound system. I’ve enjoyed in rehearsals walking to the music, kind of dancing – just very rhythmic and very straight!

Any surprises you can tell us about?

DW: They don’t even tell us about surprises. There is a theme behind the show, but we don’t know what the theme is…

FS: Really?!

DW: Yeah we can’t figure it out!

Any model gossip? Romances?

DW: One happened last year, but it’s not to be talked about. Actually, because I can’t remember their names. As for FS, what about… and…?

FS: No, no, not at all. Don’t write that… I get the impression people watching will always be like ‘Oh that guy is getting with that girl’, but I really can’t name names. All this stuff aside, remember this is in the good name of charity! We are raising a lot for good causes: for example the after-party tickets sold out in fifteen minutes, so that’s already £8000 with every penny going to charity.

DW: I’m gonna try and get in for free… sneak under the carpet maybe… but seriously, the DONT WALK models are also trying to raise money by doing something a bit interesting – we’re going to get a big canvas, and you can pay 50p to paint whatever you like on it. Hopefully the canvas will be put up in Kinkell the night of the show. There could also be a chance to throw water balloons at the models, again for 50p. We’ll all be standing there in speedos…

Speedos! And how do you guys feel about lingerie modeling?

DW: Alina, our very talented creative director, makes some of it herself, which is great. We also get designer lines in too, but it’s always entirely up to you what you feel comfortable wearing.

FS: I’m really not sure if there’s going to be any. I actually know so little…I’m so in the dark.

DW: It’s this Saturday, you know…

FS: It’s fine. After all, it’s just a fashion show.

Images  © Alexandra Williams