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IN BLOOM 2020: CREATIVE VISION
With one week to go until the show, Creative Director - David Morley - explains the creative vision behind the IN BLOOM 2020 photoshoots.
IN TRODUCTION
Experimenting with the concept of identity, I wanted to use a colour palette that evoked raw emotion and clarity. The stark red and white tones match the bloody and harsh with the pure and simple – I wanted this to reflect the versions of yourself that are seen by the world and the more intimate versions that aren’t as public. The use of fabrics and abstract makeup also helped to inject the thought of concealment and disguise, as well as adding to the fun of the pictures! The decision to shoot in a squash court was obviously influenced by the colour-scheme of the walls, however the locations for each of the shoots were mostly chosen on their function as places that feature the human body. I wanted to emphasise this function and use the shoot locations as spaces to celebrate the human body, one of the core concepts at the heart of our theme, IN BLOOM.
IN TERLUDE
The theatre shoot was inspired by the function of these performance spaces and the people who attend them. Frequenting the theatre, in the past, was exclusive to the socially-elite, but over time the pastime has become more commonplace and accessible. I wanted to capture the initial role of these establishments and use the theatre to represent the upper classes and the socially elite. The designers paired with the location perfectly, exploring the ideas of music, empowerment and classism. The jewel-toned colour palette accompanied by the golden décor furthers the luxurious aesthetic and I wanted to juxtapose this with some rebellious models. With their legs up on the backs of seats and hanging over the balconies, I wanted the models to ‘disrespect’ the notion of elitism and social hierarchy, it was also an excuse to show off their funky boots!
IN CLINE
Harking back to the use of the squash court, here is another sporting facility! Initially intended to be an outdoors shoot set on some rocky headland, I realised that maybe during the winter months, this would be too ambitious a venture. Instead, the bold colours and geometric walls of The Climbing Academy in southside made for a dynamic shoot location. This was a more direct embodiment of IN BLOOM’s theme of strength, featuring the models slotting into and hanging from the jagged climbing walls. The resilience and power of nature is a predominant idea within our theme and the incorporation of two renewable collections in this shoot really supported that idea
IN NATE
Working with COS marked an exciting collaboration for GUCFS this year. The opportunity to shop the floors of the high-end store and borrow some pretty clothes was lots of fun. IN NATE aimed to mimic the concept behind the fashion-brand and embody its stripped-back and minimalist nature - a limit of nine items for six models also echoed this minimalism(!). I aimed to convey a fresh and sincere beauty in these pictures and the autumnal colour palette matched with the bare trees helped to reassure this. Additionally, the weather on the day of the shoot was abysmal so I am both relieved we managed to get any pictures at all but also thankful to the models for letting us subject them to the rain and freezing cold. In a way, their commitment and endurance evoked the show’s theme further.
IN HABIT
The concept that originally inspired my pitch for the show’s theme, this shoot intended to promote a strength in femininity. I wanted to compare outdated beliefs about femininity with the contemporary. Harnessing the historical and opulent backdrop of marble staircases and plush curtains and rugs, this is contrasted by the modern insertion of some very delicate boys. Their rosy cheeks, bare-feet and graceful poses capture the essence of vulnerability and elegance, both characteristics that are outlawed by today’s culture of toxic-masculinity. The collection for this shoot is gender-nonspecific and also meticulously detailed, its peaches and pastel greens complemented the ornate backdrop perfectly, situating the models as if they were in a renaissance painting.
IN VERT
Following on from the previous shoot, IN VERT was conducted to marry the theme of women’s empowerment with a caricature of the patriarchy. The workplace is an inherently sexist environment, with the wage-gap and underrepresentation of women in high positions still prevalent in society today. This shoot features four women – in abstracted business-wear, with messy hair and massive lashes – demonstrating their strength, beauty and power. Similar to IN TERLUDE, this shoot presents our models mocking and parodying a place of toxic authority, all while showcasing the beauty seen in a place that can easily be overlooked.
The concepts for these shoots would never have been realised if it weren’t for the amazing efforts of the creative team at GUCFS; Louise Agius – Creative Assistant, Lucy Mclaughlin & Kim Farren – Fashion Coordinators, and Larisa Hamilton – Model Management. The shoots’ success also relied heavily on our photographers this year, Anna Dunlop and Craig Shewry; as well our hair and makeup teams at Sassoon and the Academy of Makeup. - David Morley, Creative Director
Final release tickets, and after party only tickets still available!
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MEET OUR JAILBREAK TEAMS
With Jailbreak 2019 fast approaching, it’s time to introduce the teams who will be going head to head to get as far away from Glasgow as possible! But who’s YOUR money on?
PIXIEPIMP
Why did you decide to get involved with Jailbreak?
Lois & Jeanie
It sounded like a lot of fun and a great way to raise money for charity! Right up our street.
What is your ideal final Jailbreak destination?
Morocco, Marrakesh
What are your three jailbreak/travel essentials?
Passport, positivity and politeness!
And They Were Roommates
Annie & Beth
Why did you decide to get involved with Jailbreak?
Women’s Aid is a charity close to our hearts- Annie has been a champion of it for years, and we’re genuinely curious to see how far we get for a good cause!
What is your ideal final Jailbreak destination?
Return tickets to Bora Bora
What are your three jailbreak/travel essentials?
Portable charger, mini cheddars, big pink tutus
What is one fun fact about your team or team member(s)?
We once sent a drunk email to the man who does the music for the barbie films telling him he was the greatest composer who ever lived
Heather, Jorja and Rebecca
Why did you decide to get involved with Jailbreak?
Because it's a once in a lifetime opportunity, but also raises money for a great cause
What is your ideal final Jailbreak destination?
Australia
What are your three jailbreak/travel essentials?
Spray Deodorant, Face Wipes, Snacks
What is one fun fact about your team or team member(s)?
one of our mums knows oasis
Emily, Ciara and Helen
Why did you decide to get involved with Jailbreak?
Want to experience something new for an amazing cause!
What is your ideal final Jailbreak destination?
Australia!!!!
What are your three jailbreak/travel essentials?
Portage phone charger, neck pillow and music
What is one fun fact about your team or team member(s)?
Helen used to run for Scotland!
Alex and Grace
Why did you decide to get involved with Jailbreak?
We had both already heard of Glasgow Women's Aid and the fantastic work they are doing and so were really keen to get involved in the fundraising that GUCFS are doing this year. Jailbreak is such an interesting way to raise money and get people thinking about the charity and the more we thought about it, the more excited we were to take part !
What is your ideal final Jailbreak destination?
Anywhere sunny! Cyprus would be amazing
What are your three jailbreak/travel essentials?
Thermals! Bikini! Lots of snacks!
What is one fun fact about your team or team member(s)?
The last fundraising we did together was probably around 2010 when we walked across the forth bridge so not quite the same scale as this !
Sarah squared and Natasha
Why did you decide to get involved with Jailbreak?
We all really admire the work this charity does and we want to do as much as we possibly can to raise awareness and money, we all feel that jailbreak is the most fun and effective way to that.
What is your ideal final Jailbreak destination?
Worlds end
What are your three jailbreak/travel essentials?
FOOD-lots of it, passport and good chat
What is one fun fact about your team or team member(s)?
Collectively we have been to over 50 countries
Team Jailbrock
Lasse, Jimmy, and Yael
Why did you decide to get involved with Jailbreak?
Its a fun way to do something good.
What is your ideal final Jailbreak destination?
Thailand
What are your three jailbreak/travel essentials?
Sunscreen, flip flops and a bathing suit
What is one fun fact about your team or team member(s)?
We have all lived in the same flat at one point or another.
The Double N’s
Why did you decide to get involved with Jailbreak?
We thought jailbreak was a fantastic opportunity to get out of our comfort zone, raise money for charity while doing something fun, exciting and life-changing. Our friends have done it before and only talk about it positively, so we thought why not us, we can probably win and if not, we get a crazy experience out of it and a nice wee improvised holiday.
What is your ideal final Jailbreak destination?
We are trying to aim as far away in Europe as possible, maybe Tenerife, maybe Cyprus, why not Iceland and have a wee holiday there.
What are your three jailbreak/travel essentials?
A bikini cause you never know where you’re gonna end up, a rainproof jacket because you really don’t know where you’re gonna end up, and a vlog camera!
What is one fun fact about your team or team member(s)?
Everyone thinks we’re sisters and so do we because our moms look alike, our birthdays are a few days apart and we’ve got the same hair.
Chloe, Rebecca and Iain
Why did you decide to get involved with Jailbreak?
We all really wanted to get involved in a charity initiative and Jailbreak sounded super fun and unique, and it is for an incredible cause! We are looking forward to the memories that will be made as we attempt to flee Glasgow and intrigued to see how far we can actually get whilst we raise money for Glasgow Women's Aid. Glasgow Women's Aid is an amazing charity and we are excited that we get the opportunity to spread awareness of their work.
What is your ideal final Jailbreak destination?
Anywhere further than Buchanan Street Bus Station will feel like an achievement!
What are your three jailbreak/travel essentials?
A generous sponsor, a positive attitude and a good supply of snacks
What is one fun fact about your team or team member(s)?
Rebecca has had multiple trips to A&E because of an ice cream scoop related incident so here's to hoping we make it back in one piece
THE GUCFS BA EXPERIENCE
With GUCFS Brand Ambassador applications opening this week, 9th-16th October, we spoke to previous BA’s, Lois Adamson (Marketing Director), Rebecca Willis (PR Coordinator) and Kirsten Wales (Fundraising Director) to hear their personal experience of the role.
What was the highlight of your experience as a Brand Ambassador?
Lois: My personal highlight of being a Brand Ambassador for FOCUS 2017-18 was meeting the charity representatives of Glasgow Children’s Hospital and taking a tour of the hospital. This tour acted as a firm reminder of the important charitable cause behind all the work we do as a society. I sincerely believe that it is an honour to work with such brilliant local charities and am delighted to be working with Glasgow Women’s Aid this year.
Rebecca: I was so nervous about attending the first social on my own but it ended up being one of the best nights (other than the show!) as a BA. It was ‘around the world’ themed and we were Ancient Egyptians. It was a really diverse group that was really welcoming and a great way to meet people from different year groups.
Kirsten: As a Brand Ambassador for both FOCUS 2017-2018, and FLVX 2018-2019, my personal highlight was taking part in the Stay Warm, Stay Safe event for Simon Community Scotland. It was an all-night event, which attempted to give some insight into homelessness, and helped to reflect how much the charities that GUCFS works with can help people who are suffering. I am really excited to be working with Glasgow Women’s Aid this year, and I can’t wait to see what changes we can help to make for all of those involved.
Why do you recommend getting involved with GUCFS?
Lois: GUCFS is a society that allows you to develop your skills in the field of your choice (e.g. production, marketing, and finance, etc.) whilst raising money for charity. Furthermore, as a rapidly growing society, involvement as Brand Ambassador will allow you to meet a vast range of students of different ages and interests. The philanthropic drive and work ethos of all involved with GUCFS makes it a society to get involved with from first year.
Rebecca: I recommend getting involved in GUCFS because of the huge level of fundraising and awareness that’s done for important causes, on a scale that’s impossible to do on your own. Additionally, you gain genuinely valuable experience for your future career that doesn’t just look good on paper.
Kirsten: Getting involved with GUCFS is such a feel-good experience, and has introduced me to an amazing group of people who want to raise money for charity. Being part of GUCFS has been a real eye-opener to how much work goes into supporting charitable causes, as well as the huge changes that can be made through fundraising. It gives you a different kind of creative experience that your degree just can’t offer you!
What skills did you gain from being a Brand Ambassador?
Lois: I gained numerous skills as a Brand Ambassador such as time management, event planning, and digital marketing. I have found these skills invaluable across my time at university and firmly believe they have enhanced my performance as Campus PR on committee last year and Marketing Director this year.
Rebecca: The main skill I gained was confidence. Doing PR shifts on library hill, going up to strangers and promoting GUCFS and its charitable partner, gave me a new found confidence that I’ve used countless times since.
Kirsten: As a Brand Ambassador, I gained many of the skills which I have needed to progress to the position of Director of Charities this year. The communication and interpersonal skills I have gained from meeting so many new people through GUCFS have been important in boosting my confidence and has assisted me throughout university. I think however the most important skill I have gained from my experience with GUCFS is the importance of commitment and dedication, which have allowed me to progress within the society and served me well outwith it.
If you are in first year and want to apply to become a brand ambassador for GUCFS, visit our Facebook page for more details. If you are still curious to learn a bit more about the role, any further questions can be sent to marketing@gucfs.co.uk