metamorphosis & the preservation of tradition

MODO's 20th annual fashion show, following the theme "Metamorphosis and the Preservation of Tradition", marked a monumental moment for the society. 

Seventeen up and coming designers from the UCL community were invited to present their collections inspired by the theme of Metamorphosis. Over the period of seven months, assisted by head of sewing Nyla Rizvi, the designers conceptualised, sketched, and ultimately crafted their runway collections. The designers each interpreted the prompt in great variety; concepts seen on the runway ranged from a heart-felt, but sassy, ode to Marie Antoinette, a celebration of cultural heritage in a modern landscape, a reimagined Little Red Riding Hood story, an examination of movement and change in insects, and much more. 

Alongside the immensely talented designers, the MODO committee gathered a team of 87 models to display and bring life to the collections. Trained over a period of two months, the team attended a series of sessions dedicated to honing the craft of modelling. MODO’s model coordinator, Priscilla Olaseyinde captained such sessions, leading with her own experience modelling and her extensive knowledge of the high fashion industry, in order to ensure excellent storytelling on the runway.

Taking place at the iconic Bush Hall in Shepherd's Bush, a pillar of Edwardian architecture, head of production Lauren Tse ensured that the stunning collections were to be showcased in an equally glamorous environment. The sold out crowd of spectators were able to admire the runway pieces under a crystalline chandelier and an array of mystifying lights.

The lights dimmed, the music started, and what followed was an entirely transformative evening…

(header image by Gabrielle Khoo & polaroid series by Adam Pietraszewski)