In its 20th year, VCFS showcased an overwhelming amount of talent, from chic designers to striking models, memorable musicians and dancers. The yearlong project was the perfect combination of entertaining and sexy. 

This year’s theme was a celebration of the creative mind — a look into the evolution of music through the 20th century and beyond. The fashion designs, dances and musical interludes were all inspired by iconic musicians like David Bowie and Kendrick Lamar to name a few, as well as the movements ignited or supported by them. 

The show kicked off with incredible tap choreography by Hannah Van Staveren, ArtSci ’18, followed by the first designer, Helen Nguyen ArtSci ’20, whose collection set the tone for the rest of the show with its mod and otherworldly energy.    

                                                                                             Photos by Tyli Onel 

Cool and questionable pieces took the stage as each of the seven student designers presented a jaw-dropping interpretation of their musical inspiration. Among the chic and high fashion garments that strutted the catwalk were Alyssa Neelin’s flashy Bowie-inspired looks that used a combination of floral prints and metallic and thunderbolt shapes to emulate the trend.  Other show-stopping looks were Sissi He’s cool, 50s-inspired formal wear, including a jacket that literally lit up the stage. 

And, my favourite, Parker O’Connor’s ArtSci ’17 edgy and diva-inspired collection left the audience in a state of ga-ga. With the pop queen as his inspiration, O’Connor captured her risqué style in stunning pieces with big shoulder pieces, satin accents and weird booby contraptions — thankfully, no one showed up in a dress made of meat. 

Accompanying the presentation of students’ designs, were dance and musical acts that spread a serious case of ‘the feels’ among the audience. 

Mitch Thibault ArtSci ’17 serenaded the crowd with an incredible rendition of Elvis Presley’s ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ and Robyn/Calum Scott’s ‘Dancing on My Own.’ His powerful vocals combined with charismatic stage presence, had the audience falling in love — especially the woman sitting behind me, who excessively oohed, ahed and sang along for the entirety of his set.  

Other great musical acts included Cristina Staicu ArtSci ’19 and Alex Van Der Heyden’s ArtSci ’19, engaging Kendrick Lamar mashup that had me throwing a couple head nods in my seat, not to mention Sarah Vermaeten’s ArtSci ’18 rendition of ‘Ultra Light Beams’ that concluded the show with chilling vocals, arguably better than Kanye’s recorded track. 

Just when I thought no more talent could take the stage, booty-popping dancers appeared. Among these performances, the men’s dance stood out. A generous amount of shirtless men danced a promiscuous number to Queen’s ‘Fat Bottom Girl’ and other hits. Choreographed by Christian Mellows ArtSci ’19, the men’s dance had the audience in frenzy — at one point, my glasses fogged up. 

It wouldn’t be Vogue without getting a little cheeky. In accordance with tradition, the show concluded with models and dancers strutting their sexiest lingerie. You would’ve thought you were sitting at the Victoria Secret Fashion Show, but better — far better. Women and men of all shapes and sizes flaunted their curves, teasing the crowd with revealing underwear paired with sky-high heels and flashy jewellery. It was a sight for sore eyes. 

As the show came to an end, I walked away with a newfound appreciation for Queen’s —not only do we have an influx of creative and talented students, but very sexy ones, to say the least.