Leeds RAG (Raise and Give) is one of the most active societies within the university and is dedicated to raising money and awareness for a range of charities in the UK and beyond. The society hosts an array of events from Pub Quizzes to Speed Dating. However, year on year the biggest event of the RAG calendar is without a doubt the RAG Fashion Show.
The show has been run by students at Leeds University for nigh on a decade and has grown bigger and better each year. The 2011 show raised in excess of £3,000 for its chosen charities; Yorkshire Cancer Centre and Action for Children. This year, the show is in aid of Trekstock and People in Action, and we hope to exceed last year’s amazing fund raising effort.
Now, if you’re not involved in the fashion show and don’t know anyone who is, it is easy to make a number of assumptions about it:
1. The models are all bitchy drama queens whose favourite pastime is posing in the mirror (preferably a full length one)
2. The organisers are a bunch of crazy fashionistas who spend all their time swearing, shouting and hiding food from the models.
3. The end result will be an hour of watching starving models drag their feet along the catwalk in questionable outfits.
It is understandable for you to make these assumptions, but I’m here to give you the low down on what really goes on behind the scenes of Leeds RAG Fashion Show 2012.
Models – all the models in the show are students from Leeds University and there is a massively diverse range of people. Among the models there is a singer, a ballet dancer, a writer (obviously) and a sprinkling of medics. There is no set ‘look’ either for the guys or the girls – this is no Victoria Beckham runway show. Seeing as Leeds University has been voted the best looking university in the UK you could view the models as a small representation of the students as a whole with all races, styles, shapes and sizes represented. I know what you’re thinking – ‘With so many beautiful people spending so much time together, surely there is non-stop drama?’ – wrong! University life comes with a side of drama as standard, but there are no extra portions here. Models have socials, rehearsals and fund raiser events together so we have come to be good friends. You won’t find anyone stealing another model’s shoes or cutting their clothes to shreds backstage…sorry to disappoint!
Organisers – the show is fully run by a student committee who are dedicated to making the show a success. The committee is also a melting pot of different people with some arty types but also some business types. They are all intelligent and hard working and must be given credit for putting so much work into this show without forgetting the real reason we all came to university – no, not the nightlife, the degree! They are friendly, helpful and work together with the models to try and make the show as spectacular as possible. They are not mini dictators and their fashion sense is perfectly sane.
The Show – this year’s show is shaping up to be the best so far. With our main sponsors being Harvey Nichols and Goldleaf and our theme of ‘3rd Rock,’ to say this show will wow the audience is an understatement! Expect clever choreography, lots of little surprises, stunning outfits, mind blowing hair and make- up and, of course, an after party which will go down in history. Don’t believe me? Why don’t you come and see for yourself? The show is on Thursday 23rd February – tickets are on sale now and are selling out fast! To purchase your ticket or for more information, you can come to visit our pop up shop in the Union, opposite Essentials, go to our websitewww.leedsragfashionshow.co.uk, or go to Leeds Tickets. If you would like to be involved in the show in any way please contact Natalie Walker at directors@leedsragfashionshow.co.uk
DO NOT MISS OUT!! See you there :)