St Anne’s a stunning setting to showcase design talent
St Anne’s Cathedral provided a stunning backdrop for the Ulster University Graduate Fashion Show on May 29.
Striking models took to a catwalk erected in the aisle to showcase the fabulous talents of the young designers.
Belfast Cathedral has a long and close relationship with its neighbour the University of Ulster – the University’s textile artists created the beautiful Titanic Pall – and welcoming the audience to the catwalk show, Dean’s Vicar the Revd Canon Denise Acheson said St Anne’s was delighted to be hosting the event.
The Cathedral pulsated with music, which, while very different to the choral and organ music for which St Anne’s is renowned, captured the spirit of vitality of the collections put together by the university’s graduate designers.
This was a very professional production, from the grace of the flawless models from the Style Academy agency to the compering, music and the lighting.
The large audience included many proud family members and friends of the designers, fashion critiques and photographers, with the BBC also filming for The Arts Show.
These debut collections were inspired by a diverse range of themes from post–war America and religion to architecture and national dress.
Some of the outfits, especially worn by the male models, are unlikely to be spotted again within the Cathedral walls (indeed anywhere on the streets of Belfast!) but it was a fashion show after all, and all the young designers must be commended for their talent and vision.
And while every designer and every model received deserved applause, none was louder than for the tiny tots who took to the catwalk modelling designs by one student who specialises in children’s wear.
At the end a smiling Canon Denise was debating which of the fashions she could see herself in – on her days off of course!
She said it had been a very pleasant evening. “The crowd, which filled the Cathedral, was made up of family and friends of the students and designers. There was definitely a warm, supportive and friendly atmosphere – one could almost describe it as a ‘family affair.’”
Denise added: “Friday night’s event demonstrated that the Cathedral can be used creatively, sensitively and productively with no detriment to its sacred space. However, each event has to be considered carefully – there will always be boundaries.”
Style Academy provided the models for the Fashion Show which was produced by Director Tracey Hall. “I was thrilled that we managed to secure such a stunning and iconic Belfast landmark in which to display Northern Ireland’s design talent of the future,” said Tracey.
“The ‘central aisle’ became a natural catwalk, the stunning surroundings needed no adornment or animation and I felt proud and privileged to bring fashion into the church and bring the church to a fashion–going audience.”