Runway royalty: Newcastle High School Girls unleash creativity in spectacular fashion show!
Forget London Fashion Week – the real style sensation was happening right here in Newcastle!
More than 100 pupils from Newcastle High School for Girls (NHSG) showcased their fashion creations at the school’s annual runway show last month, taking inspiration from artists including Banksy, Adebayo Bolaji and Keith Haring, as well as exploring themes such as Bridgerton, Japanese pottery and the English countryside.
The fully choreographed show placed the spotlight on the creative talent of pupils from years 9, 11, 12 and 13. As part of the show, audiences, including staff, pupils, parents and the general public, were also treated to the final year collections from NHSG’s Textile Design A-Level cohort – a unique academic offering that enables students to design and create a fashion collection from initial concept through to garment-making and runway show.
Students were also involved in choreography and sound.
Great opportunity for students to express their personalities
Always a popular fixture in the calendar year, NHSG, which has an outstanding reputation as a centre of creative excellence, encourages as many arts and design pupils as possible to take part in its regular performing arts and design showcases.
Alison Goldie, Head of Art, said: “Our fashion show takes place every year, and the majority of year groups from our senior school get the opportunity to be involved in designing and creating pieces which showcase their skill and creativity. It’s a great opportunity for students to express their personalities through their designs and allows our students to build their confidence.
“Fashion plays such a significant role in the lives of young girls and this event encourages and educates the involvement of girls in fashion and gives them a realistic understanding of the positive and also challenging aspects women and young girls face in fashion.”
Year 13 pupil, Sophie Hindhaugh, said: “My collection consists of three outfits which each tell their own story but with all my designs I’ve focused on emphasising structure whilst having a feminine theme with the involvement of flowers throughout.
“Power dressing suits from the 80s also had an influence on my designs. With the idea of women wearing structured styled blazers and outfits, my design takes that to an extreme by exaggerating femininity and embracing women’s body shapes.
“I was heavily influenced by some of the iconic outfits worn by Lady Gaga, Beyoncé and Madonna and the meaning behind them, so much so my catwalk song is Vogue by Madonna.”
Meanwhile, Year 13’s Amelia Manners was inspired by North East clothing powerhouse Barbour. She said: “As a farmer’s daughter, I wanted my collection to be all about the British countryside. As Barbour is such a big name locally and nationally – pretty much everyone has a Barbour jacket, wellies, or jumper from them – I took inspiration from their classic country style when creating my A Level collection.
“I have also explored tweeds and tartan fabrics and designs, and I’ve designed a full tartan dress with a fresh twist in pinks and blues, as well as a quilted tartan jacket which is particularly inspired by the Barbour X Ganni collaboration. It’s been very hectic having everything ready for the catwalk, but I felt so proud having the opportunity to show my work in such a professional setting.”
This fashion show was just the beginning…
Many NHSG alumnae have gone on to enjoy successful careers in fashion and textiles, a highly competitive industry that contributes over £60 billion to the UK economy.
Among the school’s former pupils are Lauren Anderson, Charis Younger, Evie Turley, Jenni Moore, Chloe Cooper and Caroline Legg, who all currently work in fashion or are studying for a degree in fashion.
Highly successful designer Fiona Sinha also attended NHSG before going on to study fashion at the prestigious Central Saint Martins, where she met design partner Aleksandar Stanic and, together, under their label SinhaStanic, they went on to work for Alexander McQueen’s McQ label. Impressive!
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, said: “”This fashion show wasn’t just about clothes; it was about empowering young women to express themselves and chase their dreams.
“Seeing their visions come to life on the runway was truly inspiring, and I have no doubt many of them will shape the future of fashion. Congratulations to everyone involved.”
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