Golden ticket to Fashion Week Yorkshire

Image: Millie Clarke

Before anything else… Wingstop! It is true what they say: the key to a girl’s heart is food. So, instead of thinking with our heads, we chose our hearts. Eight mango habanero boneless chicken pieces and Wingstop-style fries. We stood out like sore thumbs, heels, and Wingstop do not go hand in hand. Not part of the plan was the food coma that followed.

Being in our health-kick era, we decided to walk from Wingstop to New Dock, hoping the fresh air and walk would diminish the heavy belly and sleepy eyes. Here, we encountered our first problem. Google maps! Let me tell you, it’s not as easy as it seems, especially in Leeds on Saturday night. This has to be a universal feeling, I’m sure of it. The maps rerouted about five times, taking us through a few too many dimmed side streets and broken cobbled roads. Heels were not the greatest idea.

After fifteen minutes of walking, not knowing whether we would arrive on time, we made it. From the outside, the building was made of glass, looking into a foyer where people had already started to gather. We stopped at the red carpet, waiting for security to check in our tickets and let us join the other side.

Melodies echoed through a harp, creating an inviting tone for the rest of the evening. No one could say no to a glass of bubbly. So, we treated ourselves to some prosecco, mainly to subdue the pain in our feet from wearing heels. Did it work? Absolutely not!

At 7 pm, we sat in our seats, ready for the main event—the show! The show started with messages of diversity and inclusivity. How every one of us, no matter how different, should love ourselves for being our own. No matter your size, the colour of your skin, or how you are on the inside, each person is beautiful despite their differences. This message was touching. It was displayed not only through garments and their designers but also through singers, rappers, and dancers. Each show had individuality, but each message remained the same, fashion and art should be celebrated with love and passion.

Images: Millie Clarke

My favourite part of the evening was Carron Cumming’s message, where she highlighted her 10 years of empowerment and progression of body confidence through a charity called SmartWorks. The company showcased ten different garments for women, men, plus-size, petite and children. You could feel her energy radiate throughout the audience, wanting everyone to “love yourself in the now.”

This evening left me feeling full of love from strangers in the room and inspiration to keep and carry this message wherever I go. Being reinformed that modelling can be for everyone, maybe not in its stereotypical catwalk, but we all have something to show off and be proud of.

Written by Millie Clarke

Edited by Isabel Butler