Vogue Charity Fashion Show set to strut into the Grand Theatre

“It’s a great escape from what your degree can be, and just another way to express yourself.”

Sam Goodale Assistant Arts Editor

Last week was an exciting one for Vogue Charity Fashion Show (VCFS) who will walk the runway in the Grand Theatre next month.

The student-run fashion show, which is being held on March 9, 10, and 11, combines music, dancing, and eye-catching outfits to raise money for a Kingston-based charity. All proceeds raised this year will be donated to Pathways to Education Kingston.

With 124 students involved in last year’s event, VCFS is Canada’s largest student-run fashion show. The club is an inclusive space for students from all backgrounds and programs.

Although a science student, Avery Mooring, ArtSci ’23, VCFS co-president, said her involvement with the club has provided an additional outlet to engage with students and the Queen’s community, untethered by her academic program.

“[VCFS] is really open to anyone in any degree,” Mooring said in an interview with The Journal.

Mooring, who has been a part of VCFS since her first year, is excited for the fashion show to return, free from COVID-19 restrictions. Although last year’s event was a great comeback after being held online the year before, some restrictions were still in place.

“This [year], we’re showcasing what Vogue can do without any of those restrictions,”

Mooring said. “Like how much we can really fundraise with this many people, what kind of production we can put on in this time frame with so many people being dedicated to it.”

Amongst the glitz of the fashion show, VCFS is committed to making a positive change in the Kingston community, with nearly $700,000 donated to charities since its inception. Mooring is eager to support and donate to the charity for this year’s event.

“They’re such a great group of people at Pathways to Education, and I’m just so excited for them to see how much money we’re going to be able to donate.”

This year’s fashion show will bring Hollywood to Kingston, complete with a red carpet and photo shoot on the way into the Grand Theatre.

Inside, though, VCFS will be transformed into a whimsical dreamscape with limitless possibilities. With this year’s theme, “I Saw You in a Dream,” the show promises to be as expansive and imaginative as your most fanciful nighttime vision.

“There’s huge numbers this year,” Kallista Jones, ArtSci ’23, VCFS co-president, said.

“Our dance numbers have grown in size; we have seven musical performances throughout; there’s seven different collections in the show which people get to see, and there’s a lot of emphasis on the theatrical aspect this year with the lighting and the scenes. It’s one big creative show.”

With VCFS heading into its 26th year at Queen’s, the club has clearly resonated with generations of students. Jones said the inclusivity of VCFS and the opportunities it provides students have contributed to its special place in the Queen’s community.

“There’s a spot for so many different people on the team, it’s not just dance, it’s not just musicians […] there’s all these different groups where everyone can find a place.”

Tickets for the fashion are available now and can be found on VCFS’s website. Those interested can donate directly to Pathways to Education through VCFS’s fundraiser.