ICSMSU Charity Fashion Show

ICSMSU Fashion Show is a charity event organised by ICSM RAG for almost 20 years, featuring collaborating brands and student designers. I didn’t know about it until last week, and I got my ticket as soon as I learned more about it to see it for myself. The show took place in Electric Brixton last Tuesday evening, and the venue was packed with attendees- cochairs Phillippa and Mia told me this was the highest attendance of the event’s history. The donations raised, which exceed £10,000, will be donated to Hope and Homes for Children, London Air Ambulance and The Upper Room. As this fashion show is an event under ICSM RAG, I learned from the chairs that the charities are determined earlier in the year by the greater RAG team.

I’m being objective when I say this was one of the best student organised events I’ve attended in Imperial and I didn’t regret spending a single penny (how could I when it is for such a good cause?). Starting from the famous opening act, which was a Lingerie dance-show, I was amazed by the amount of effort put into the performance. Everyone was radiant and every act, from Men’s Heals to Swimwear was captivating - you could tell that everyone had fun while working on it. During the intermission, we were accompanied by a lovely performance by the ICSM Jazz Band and ICSM Dance. I was not surprised when I learned that this event has been in preparation for a long time, especially increasing gear after the organisational team was determined in November. 

Another remarkable part of the night was the Final Year walk. ICSM class of 2026 who have previously participated in the Fashion Show walked the stage for a final time along with a medley from High School Musical. I knew absolutely no one from the walk and still couldn’t help but be a little teary-eyed for them. It was so sweet to students at the last chapter of their time in Imperial celebrating together on stage. I learned that it is a recent tradition and I hope other courses adopt a similar farewell for their final year students.

As this is such a large scale event with a lot of performers in lingerie and nightwear, I was curious about how the team managed sensitive concerns and wellbeing of models. This was, of course, something they’ve made sure every performer was comfortable about their performance. The organisation has a committed welfare team, which shows their care for sensitive issues. 

The event was very fashionable as it was charitable. If you are interested in becoming Imperial’s next top model, the auditions for next year’s show will take place in November. However, you should be aware that the competition is already tough, getting tougher. This year, the team had to choose models out of 300 people who auditioned with the performances that had the most interest being Nightgowns, Swimwear and Streetwear. I did see some familiar faces performing, confirmed by Phillippa and Mia when I learned that the team is aiming to increase their outreach to the greater Imperial community. 

Though I couldn’t stay for the after-party due to coursework and commitments, I was so glad that I went to see the show. This was something not to miss, I will be there next year to see how the team continues to work their magic for good!