Creative pupils show off fashions
Catwalk stars at Blairgowrie High School put on stunningly creative and successful show of work
Blairgowrie High School pupils proved they were dedicated followers of fashion recently at their third annual fashion show.
The show, which was attended by hundreds of people, has been hailed as another great success.
Pupils from all years took part, as well as members of staff, modelling a range of clothes and accessories designed by students in the art department.
A group of primary seven pupils from Newhill Primary School also took to the catwalk.
Head teacher at the school, Bev Leslie, was full of praise for everyone involved.
She said: “Blairgowrie High School really does have very talented pupils supported by a truly wonderful staffing team without whom events like this simply would not be possible. Around a third of the school was involved in the fashion show in one form or another; it’s a truly inclusive event.”
Blairgowrie High School’s third annual fashion show has been hailed as another great success with organisers promising that it will be back for a fourth event next year.
The show, which took place earlier this month, was attended by hundreds of parents, grandparents, friends and siblings of the pupils involved.
It featured pupils from all years, as well as members of staff, modelling a range of clothes and accessories designed by students in the art department.
A group of primary seven pupils from Newhill Primar y School also took to the catwalk as part of the transition process to the High School.
First year pupils at the school showed off the wonderful hats and waistcoats that they had c re at e d , whi l e S 2 p u p i l s showed off accessories including hats and glasses - all of which they had designed and made themselves.
Senior pupils at the school showcased designs for bags, hats, contemporar y jewellery and body adornment, incorporating various styles and themes including art deco and under the sea and recycled eco in impressive outfits that wowed the audience.
Teachers at the school also took to the catwalk to model a range of retro baggy trousers designed by second year pupils.
And there were p e r f o r ma n c e s f r o m t h e school’s dance groups.
One of the biggest cheers of the night was for head teacher at the Beeches Road school, Bev Leslie, who was invited to model a stunning designer hat created by renowned milliner Philip Treacy.
Principal teacher of art at Blairgowrie High School, Sam Kennedy, explained that pupils had written to Mr Treacy saying that they were designing hats for their show and asking for advice.
The London-based d e s i g n e r - a f av o u r i t e o f royalty, film stars and singers such as Lady Gaga - went one better than giving advice h o w e v e r, a n d d o n a t e d a b e au t i f u l p owde r b l u e creation to the school.
Mrs Kennedy was delighted with the success of the show and thanked everyone involved.
She said: “A huge thanks and congratulations go to all Blairgowrie High School pupils and staff who worked so hard to make the fashion show such a great success again this year.
“Pupils from all years come together with Newhill Primary School P7 pupils to celebrate and showcase their creative talents in design.
“The event is getting bigger and better each year and the learning opportunities for pupils are always expanding, making it a really worthwhile event that builds confidence and responsibilities for all, wrapped up in a fun, colourfilled event.
“This year we had a real focus in the art department on creative industries and the world of work and this show, as well as the work produced for the B O O K MA R K e x h i b i t i o n i n O c t o b e r, is a great introduction to that.
“Our home economics department was more involved this year with a cake sale and fashionthemed sweet treats during the interval, and the aim is that more departments get involved each year as it’s a fabulous opportunity with such a great audience.
“I was delighted that k e y o r g a n i s a t i o na l ro l e s this year were taken on by many senior pupils with lower school pupils being mentored to take on these roles next year.
“It’s always really heartwarming backstage to see staff and pupils working as a team to put on such a great show. Special thanks go to my fellow art teachers who pulled out all the stops to make this event happen - Mr Hunter Ms Petrie, Ms McGinley and Ms Cox.
“We are always amazed by the pupils’ inventive ideas!
“Thanks also to Kara Sinclair for the poster design, Riona Harrison and Samuel Michalak for manning the d o o r, o u r r u n n e r L e w i s Finlay, Ryan Howard, Ben Clarkson, Arran Black and Neave Hunter for the lighting a n d mus i c , Z o e A i n s l i e, Liam Carrie and Ross Cathro for the photography, stage coordinators AJ MacGregor, Robbie Smith and Kirsty Barnett, dancer co-ordinators Emily Downham, Chloe Walker, Shannon Downie and Lori Harden, Casey Meager and Demi-Lee Higgins for hair and make up and Emily Nicol for refreshments. And a big thanks to ever yone who came along and supported the event.”
Mr s L e s l i e a d d e d h e r praise to everyone involved in the show, commenting: “Every year I think we have seen the best that Blairgowr ie High S chool has got to offer and ever y year I am surprised and delighted at how they surpass themselves.
● See pages 18 and 19 for more photos.