FS2016: An Interview with Chris Govier
The 24th iteration of the St Andrews Charity Fashion Show (colloquially known as FS) takes place this Saturday (13th of February) on Lower College Lawn, St Andrews. Cordelia Diamond, ST.ART's fashion sub-editor, sat down with a member of FS2016’s Creative Team, Chris Govier, to talk about the concept of this year’s show, its sources of inspiration and which designers we can expect to see.
An Interview with Chris Govier
ST.ART: Describe your role with FS.
Chris Govier: I am on the Creative Team for FS2016: Bare. As the creative team we curate the fashion for the show along with the creative concept for the whole year.
ST.ART: Sum up FS’s creative vision for this year in 3 words.
CG: BARE, ART, RAW.
ST.ART: How has the creative team reinvigorated the FS creative image?
CG: FS is such an established institution in St. Andrews, and the creative theme is one of the areas that can be reimagined each year. This year we drew from artists and designers that have pushed the boundaries of their field, such as Alexander McQueen, whose legacy – in the shape of the Alexander McQueen Foundation – has inspired us to look beyond the impact of aesthetics, and Tracey Emin, who has given us inspiration, especially from the way she connects with her process when creating art.
ST.ART: What kind of environment can the audience look forward to?
CG: This year we have some amazing sponsors. FENDI, as our show sponsor, and Veuve Clicquot, as our exclusive champagne sponsors, will provide a fantastic experience for the show guests. This year we have designed the space of the venue to ensure that our guests get the best view wherever they are.
ST.ART: What are some of the designers we can look forward to?
CG: FS2016: Bare has a great selection of established brands, such as Walker Slater, Peter Millar and Topman, along with some fantastic new talent. We are welcoming back Nicole Wells, last year’s YDA [Young Designer Award] winner, with her graduate collection. It may seem cliché, but I want to keep most of the designers under wraps until the show; we wouldn’t want to blow the surprise.
ST.ART: What are your favourite looks? What pieces are you most excited to be in the show?
CG: There are two collections that I am really excited for: Neith Nyer and Nicole Hurran. Neith Nyer show in Paris and their SS16 collection was met with critical acclaim and noted by Vouge as one of the top 5 designers to watch. Nicole Hurran was a finalist at last year’s YDA; her graduate collection features some incredible knitwear that has 18k gold thread mixed into the blend.
ST.ART: Describe your personal style in 1 word
CG: Curated
ST.ART What is next for you?
CG: I am looking forward to culminating my time in St. Andrews working with OTR [On The Rocks Festival], as Head Of Publicity. This year we are aiming for the festival to have greater impact upon the town, and increase student and resident participation. After St. Andrews I have no idea what I want to do; hopefully I will end up doing a job that I love.
More infomation about FS2016 here: https://www.standrewsfashion.co.uk/