12 QMYOU / COSTUME SHOWCASE
Historical and mythical designs create catwalk sensation
Costume Design and Construction students took QMU ’ s annual catwalk event to new heights this year with a theatrical spectacle which showcased historical , mythical and literary creations .
NOW IN ITS 6th year , the studentrun Costume Showcase 2013 was slicker , bolder and more artistic than those of previous years .
The larger scale event , which took place in May , showcased a stunning array of costumes created and modelled by QMU ’ s Performing Arts students . The breadth of work reflected the Costume and Design students ’ portfolios and included large scale works as well as smaller pieces including millinery , puppetry and illustration .
The costumes included a mix of the historical , the mythical and the literary : Female Frankenstein , Furies and Mr Fox took the stage . Costumes based around the time of Catherine the Great , and from the film ‘ Peter Pan ’, were also part of the show . Another significant feature of the Costume Showcase was tartan themed outfits with material kindly donated from Borders based Lochcarron of Scotland and Kinloch Anderson in Edinburgh . The QMU tartan , designed by Kinloch Anderson in 2007 , featured in some of the outfits .
Dr Richard Butt , QMU ’ s Dean of the School of Arts , Social Sciences & Management , said : “ Like the tartan featured in a number of the designs , the show wove the historical with the contemporary , heritage with haute couture , and rebellion with the carnivalesque .”
Dr Butt continued : “ The event provided students with the opportunity to unveil costumes they have worked on over the last year including a historic recreation of a costume worn by Catherine the Great , Mrs Darling from Peter Pan and one of the Dolly Sisters from a show at Monte Carlo in 1925 .”
He concluded : “ Our BA ( Hons ) Costume Design and Construction course has close industry links , with our students providing costumes for professional productions and for heritage bodies . For the first time , students took full responsibility for the running of Costume Showcase , therefore gaining valuable event management experience to add to their developing creative skills .”
This year , ‘ Costume Showcase : Exhibition and Costume Parade ’ took place outwith the University at the Teviot Debating Hall and attracted a wide range of guests who were blown away by the stunning designs and the ability of the models , many of whom were QMU acting students , to breathe life into the characters .
Robert Carr , Chairman of Anderson Strathern LLP was so impressed with the event that he wrote to the Principal saying : “ It was a magical night from historical perfection to the magical , to the macabre and to the exotic . It was evident to everyone who attended the event that you have a most gifted and talented group of students who produced a first class show . It was also clear that they are being encouraged , mentored and motivated by an inspiring group of teachers .”
Candice Donnelly from Virgin Money , also enjoyed Showcase . She said : “ I was truly impressed by the incredible talent on display .”
Congratulations to all of the QMU students who worked together to create such a memorable occasion . ❒
12 QMYOU / COSTUME SHOWCASE