Students work on ‘Club to Catwalk’ at Manchester’s iconic Homobloc

A colourful celebration of queer culture at Manchester’s Depot Mayfield has been made possible thanks to the behind-the-scenes work of a talented group of student stylists, dressers and photographers.

Working with sustainable fashion company Manchester Fashion Movement, the team of seven Manchester Fashion Institute students styled, dressed, interviewed and photographed models walking in the ‘Club to Catwalk’ show, part of the annual Homobloc festival.

Now in its fifth year, the 13-hour celebration of queer culture includes a spectacular runway show honouring the garments of clubbers from decades past and celebrating Manchester’s LGBTQI+ and QTIPOC (Queer, Trans and/or Intersex Person of Colour) community.

The students from programmes including Fashion Communication, Fashion Promotion and Fashion Art Direction were tasked with working with Manchester Fashion Movement co-founder Alison Carlin and Homobloc creative producer Shaan Ebanks to provide hands-on creative assistance beforehand in rehearsals, and on the night.

Offering photography, styling, production, dressing and videography support, the students were each guided by industry professionals to capture the essence of Manchester’s famous QTIPOC rave scene. 

They will now use the photographic and interview content to curate and produce a specially crafted zine to capture the event’s essence and the enduring value of cherished garments, supporting Manchester Fashion Movement’s mission to inspire sustainable fashion choices. The book will be published early next year with an exhibition and launch party.

Second year Fashion Communication student Tom Hargeaves said: “This was such a gorgeous, exciting environment to work in, and I learnt a lot that will help me in the future.

“In my behind-the-scenes videographer role I was able to work on my organisational and management skills. The sense of community there was incredible and has spurred me on to think about a career in fashion journalism.”

Laura Johnson, final year Fashion Promotion student, assisted with styling, as well as interviewing the models. She added: “There was a lot of adrenaline on the night, because everything was so exciting and fast paced.

“I loved assisting with styling and dressing on such elaborate and colourful costumes, which were all second hand so sustainable too. This job has boosted my confidence and made me want to pursue a career in events.”

Students working on the Club to Catwalk project are part of Rise, Manchester Met’s award-winning co-curricular initiative which helps students get experience across all disciplines, accruing credit points and gaining recognition for career-enhancing learning.

The Homobloc, Manchester Fashion Institute and Manchester Fashion Movement collaboration is one of a series of EDI Community and Belonging student events and projects overseen by Nathan Roberts, Lecturer in Fashion Marketing. 

He said: “Homobloc was the perfect place for our students to gain valuable industry experience and also take part in a celebration of diversity, where everyone can feel comfortable being themselves.

“The students all embraced the Homobloc spirit of equality, individuality and inclusion. They did an incredible job and met their creative briefs perfectly, standing them in excellent stead for their future careers.”