CATWALK Launches “New Era” at Annual Garden Party

A short walk behind the Union leads to its often overlooked Beer Garden, where, on Wednesday 10 September, under a large white tent, CATWALK Charity Fashion Show – the only 100% non-profit fashion show in St Andrews – hosted its annual Garden Party with a renewed and intrinsically student-forward attitude. 

Entry was open to all who could find their way to this unsung spot, whether through CATWALK’s social media promotions or wandering in from Abbotsford Crescent on the way to Market Street. Either way, all attendees were welcomed by the chatter of accumulated groups exchanging anecdotes and soaking up the sun. 

The Garden Party was promoted as, among other things, a chance to “meet the committee.” Holly Reid, CATWALK’s PR marketing executive, says the event is a Freshers’ Week staple, with this year’s event as an elevation of last year’s, which was instead hosted in the garden of a committee member. 

“I think it's a great chance for people to learn about CATWALK [...] and for everyone to catch up [...] It's great to get like-minded people in the same room,” Reid explained. “We're building a little bit of a legacy and [ensuring] that we have something that people look forward to every year.” 

The extra space allowed for more interactive elements, such as a small vintage sale for reasonably-priced shorts and going-out tops, as well as their £1 ‘Putt for Posy’ table, offering guests the chance to win a pink bouquet if they achieved a hole-in-one shot.

​CATWALK’s Garden Party was hosted in partnership with the University’s Charities Campaign, a subcommittee of the Students’ Association. This year, funds will contribute to the work of Fife Women’s Aid, Centrepoint, and Médecins Sans Frontières. 

“Different story. Same stage,” read the caption of one of their Instagram posts dated 11 August. 

The event marks the first of their newly marketed “next era,” which, according to the distributed pamphlet, the committee “is working hard to make […] the best yet.” 

This year’s rebranding follows backlash from last year’s campaign. In spite of CATWALK’s past controversies, however, it was evident that their 2026 rebrand was the result of received feedback and therefore an attempt to overcome last year’s shortcomings. 

The event also promised attendees the opportunity to “find out more on model castings.” The informational pamphlet suggested an open call to the community: “It wouldn’t be a fashion show without models. Could that be you, dear reader?” 

Committee members could be seen flitting around the tent, speaking to various students, asking if they would be interested in being a CATWALK model. Those interested can access the organisation’s scouting card via the link in their Instagram bio. 

“All students are encouraged to apply,” read the pamphlet. 

“We want it to be a fashion show that, yes, brings like-minded people together, but also those from all walks of life, from any kind of cultural or experiential background,” Reid added, insisting upon the fact that CATWALK ‘26 would not “feel exclusive.” 

Reid explained that, this year, CATWALK’s goal is to “create an inclusive environment that is enjoyable and as fashion-focused as possible.” 

Their goal of appealing to student interests certainly shined through not only with their inclusion of alternate activities, but also through their inclusion of student artists. The Macaronis took the stage to perform alternative hits ranging from ‘Mr. Brightside’ to a series of songs by the Strokes. Student DJ Alex Askew-Renaut also performed as the final act. 

While most of the event was intended to take place inside the confines of the tent, plenty of students made themselves comfortable on the grass, chatting, making friends, and relishing the fifteen-degree weather. 

At times, this quiet intimacy amongst guests tended to clash with the ‘party’ aspect of the event, but nonetheless, it provided an auspicious vibe to what is expected to be another beautiful year in St Andrews.

“We’re in such an amazing spot and we’re such a great uni,” said Reid. “We really want to get everyone involved.”

Photo by Leah Rose