By Rachel Hambly

eds. Mistral Zerbi

Although this may expose my short-term memory, I had to research the meaning of ‘sprezzatura’ once again, even though I attended the VS Launch in the fall. But once the lights went down and the screens turned on, I realized I had wasted my time. Immediately, the VS team demonstrated true grace by connecting with their community.

This year, with Ines Tramarin (Creative Director) leading the show, VS25 was an immersive experience, complete with video montages, dynamic movement, and a number of remixed music tracks that I want on my Spotify immediately. While the show featured a variety of styles, designers, and choreography, it maintained a cohesive feel throughout. Of course, everyone’s perception of grace is distinct. We all live wildly different lives, and with that comes a different way of achieving grace that works for us. The VS team acknowledged this well, allowing each attendee to see themselves represented in the show and leave knowing their version of grace is just as special as the next.

However, VS didn’t stop with the idea of grace on the runway. Instead, they chose a charity that directly helps others, right here in our backyard. Trust in Fife and Parkinson’s UK aims to raise money to find a cure for Parkinson’s and, along the way, help those affected. As I previously mentioned, everyone’s version of grace is different. But, I am sure that if asked, the collective answer to “What is grace?” would be helping those in need. It was clear that VS prioritized donating as much as possible, as they kept everything as budget-friendly as possible, aiming to donate as much as they could, along with offering a raffle during intermission, allowing guests to participate in the fundraising.

Just because they prioritized charity does not mean the VS show was anything short of spectacular. Held at the Rufflets Hotel, it was a beautiful change of scenery from the usual venues. The entire experience was elegant, from the custom tote bag filled with free goodies, put together by Niamh McManus and the Partnerships team, to the transportation in luxurious vans organized by Gabriela Trautsmansdorff and the Operations team. The experience felt personal, especially as VIPs and other attendees had personalised name placards placed on their seats.

The refreshing experience did not stop there. Once all the seats were filled, the doors were shut and the lights went off. Two television screens on either side of the catwalk lit up, displaying a montage of interviewed VS members discussing what VS meant and how they felt about the upcoming show. The spirit of VS was evident in each clip, with members’ faces lighting up as they reflected on their time in the organization or discussed what they were looking forward to. It made the show feel personal and not clique-like, which can be a common feeling in many university clubs. As an audience member, it gave me a sense of who each model and team member was beyond their work with VS, showing their true connection behind the scenes. The video montages continued throughout the show, used to signal a change in theme for the runway. Different videos had different themes, such as a video taken inside the Physician, highlighting the power of female dress and the grace women hold.

The womenswear in the show was captivating and strong, but simultaneously highlighted a light, dainty side of femininity. One of the most striking moments of the show was the opening number, set to Young and Beautiful by Lana Del Rey. Model after model waltzed down the runway in white dresses, setting the scene for true sprezzatura and beauty. Choreographed by the Creative Team, the section presented what Sprezzatura meant to her “in motion.” While the dresses flowed down the aisle, the music pumped energy into the room, creating an energetic feeling for the rest of the show. Feminine power didn’t stop there, as ballgowns and thigh-high slits strutted on the catwalk, and models adorned in Old Course merchandise showed off a sportier side of womanhood, providing a relatable juxtaposition. One of my personal favorite looks from the show was a matching tan jacket and pants from Spoiled Life. While the set embodied workwear with a button-up collar and large cargo pockets, the model’s long hair and tall heels reminded me that even if an outfit is not outwardly ‘feminine,’ it is how you carry yourself that truly represents who you are and the grace you hold.

VS’s choreography was yet another feature setting them apart from the rest. Foreshadowed in the opening video interview, Ines Tramarin said she was both most excited and most nervous about the lifts. Hearing this, I moved to the edge of my seat. Seeing truly impressive and athletic movement on a runway is something I will never tire of, and VS passed the test. Female models, all in white, were lifted by male models, all dressed in black, creating an incredible visual. Audible gasps could be heard throughout the room as the men spun around and performed choreographed walks, all while holding a body above their heads. I felt there was no better movement to capture the grace and strength of both genders, and it was what I replayed in my head the most on my ride home after the show.

Speaking of male models, there was no shortage of menswear in VS25. There was a complementary combination of casual looks, such as crewnecks from Old Course and loose beachy trousers, as well as sharp suits. The stylists of the Creative Team put together many functional but elegant outfits as well. A look I remember had the models dressed in clothing from Seasalt Cornwall, right on Market Street. There were utility jackets paired with bandanas tied around the neck, showing that fashion is for men, too.

Like any fashion show in St. Andrews, there was a fabulous lingerie section. But this one was different. While there was the classic lacy and beautiful lingerie, VS featured a playful undergarments brand, Oddballs. The brand, founded in 2014, makes graphic and colorful underwear for everyone and donates most of its proceeds to causes such as cancer research and support for mental health. When walking down the runway, the models had a smile on their faces that I don’t think could have been erased. As they posed and strutted, their emotions came through, and the adrenaline from the rest of the show pulsed through their veins. Their personalities shone through, just like in the introductory video, when they couldn’t help but smile when discussing VS.

The VS25 show reminded me of how amazing it feels to be yourself and own who you are. When you’re comfortable in your skin, life becomes just that much better. As the show came to a close and the confetti rained down from the ceiling, I felt a renewed confidence. It gave me peace of mind, and with that, a true sense of what sprezzatura feels like, and I know the rest of the audience felt it too.

VS2025: A Collection of Grace