Stop Start: The St Andrews University Fashion Show

In the midst of the auspicious industry affair that is London Fashion Week: 400 miles north of London, the Charity Fashion Show put on at St Andrews University has become one of the most popular and notorious events on the glittering UK social calendar – raising over £300,000 for worthwhile charities over the past 22 years. Little wonder then, that The Yacht Week couldn’t wait to stick an oar in (pun intended) and get a few friends together to put on the exclusive Fashion Show after party, Stop Start. The show has come a long way since one Catherine Middleton shyly graced the catwalk in 2002, wearing a black and gold organza creation designed by a fellow student... last week's show featured some of the most celebrated local and international designers in the world, whilst a youthful “FROW” danced at the sidelines. The crowds of guests at the catwalk edge were certainly a refreshing contrast to the well behaved, unsmiling celebrities front row at Somerset House, the home of London Fashion Week. Hot models in coated metallic leather and heels, full length evening gowns and lace bustiers strutted in front of a raucous audience of over 1,500 sailing-mad students who had bought tickets to be in with a chance to win a place on TYW 2014 in Croatia, Italy, Greece, British Virgin Islands or Thailand*. The revelling began as soon as the lights went down, and continued on to the after party at a specially erected Marquee on the spectacular University grounds. True to its’ reputation for throwing a party like no other – The Yacht Week brought together a few of it’s very best DJ partners, a pumping sound system, expert mixologists behind the bar and performances from John Christian and A.C.B to keep the crowd moving. The girls dressed to impress, hoping to score their Prince Charming for the night (or at least a future Wall Street banker, city lawyer or doctor!) as the Duchess of York herself did at the same event more than ten years ago. As for the boys – the hottest accessory of the night was one of the cheeky bright green Yacht Week caps, worn backwards with the breezy, carefree attitude of a YW holiday maker. Given The Yacht Week’s passion for exhilarating, sensory experiences, a rollicking great party, and of course, philanthropy – the relationship with the St Andrew’s Charity Fashion Show will continue for years to come! *Congratulations to Catherine Ewers on being picked out of the draw to win this prize for her and a friend! [clearboth]

Join The Yacht Week this summer in Croatia, Greece and Italy - Thailand in December - British Virgin Islands for New Year, Spring and early Summer sailing.