Meet the Models: Durham’s first LGBT+ Fashion Show

Tonight, Durham University will show its first ever LGBT+ fashion show in aid of the Albert Kennedy Trust, a charity which aims to provide safe homes, mentoring and support for LGBT+ people who are homeless or live in hostile environments. One in four young people at risk of homelessness identify as LGBT+, and in 2018, 88 per cent of the young people who contacted AKT were placed in safe homes.

With the theme “Uprising” – promoting pride in one’s identity and LGBT+ awareness – the fashion show looks to be a true spectacle, including student drag performers and pole dancers, while the models will be showcasing queer-owned fashion brands.

The countdown is truly on, so why not have a peek at a few of the models who will be gracing the catwalk this evening?

Ariyike Oyelola

What’s the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you in Durham?

Any of my dancing on a night out. It's all terrible.

What has been the best part of your LGBT+FS experience so far?

Meeting new people. It sounds cliche but its nice to get to know other members of the community that I've never had the chance to talk to before.

Oli Moore

Best night out story?

Met Daniel Radcliffe's stunt double in Jimmy's smoking area. Went on an adventure with him that involved discovering a secret back garden, nicking a chair and perching myself in the middle of Elvet Bridge on it for the rest of the night.

What’s the last song you played on your Spotify?

Entire discography of Britney Spears on shuffle, the usual.

Fliss Barrows

What is your favourite item of clothing that you own?

My long black faux fur coat – I bought it in a charity shop for £20 and it makes me feel extremely powerful.

Sum up your style in three words

Three words: Urban, handmade, camp.

Alex Overton

Dream catwalk song?

It has to be "Sexy and I Know It", by LMFAO, describes how I feel about myself tbh.

Fave chat up line to use?

"Did you know i'm a model?"

Jonah Graham (co-presenter)

Sum up your style in three words.

Sophisticated, Sexy, Dame.

Hidden talent?

I can cry on command.

Kirsty Logan (co-presenter)

Favourite spot in Durham?

My bed, or someone else's 😉 xx

LGBT+ icon?

Marlene Dietrich or Mark Ashton

Photographs courtesy of Matt Jaworski