Decades of trends in Livingstone High fashion show

Livingstone High School pupils celebrated fashion trends from the 1920s to 2010 at their fund-raising fashion show. 

About 900 people attended the fashion show held at the school on Friday May 9 and Saturday May 9.

The theme, The Decades Tour, a play on the Eras Tour by Taylor Swift, was an exploration of all the decades since Livingstone High opened in 1926. 

School admin assistant and event organiser Tamika de Villiers said the idea for the fashion show came from needing to raise funds for their school hall in the run-up to the school’s centenary celebrations in February.

“The school celebrates its centenary next year and we are aiming to upgrade the hall completely. The school hall needs a stage curtain, proper sound and lighting as well as projectors and screens. The profits of the fashion show will be used to cover the installation of the stage curtain.”  

Ms De Villiers said the organising committee, which included admin staff, grade leaders and the principal, worked together on the concept since the end of last year but had about two weeks to put the actual show together.

Pupils from grades 8 to 12 modelled in the fashion show with garments from their closets which they put together to reflect the various eras, she said.  

“We have held fashion shows but this one was particularly special as we were determined to showcase 100 years of existence.  We wanted to highlight the longevity of this amazing establishment through the decades,” said Ms De Villiers.

Grade 12 pupil Aatikah Nathen said being part of the fashion show was a whirlwind of emotions.

“It was fun, chaotic, stressful and exciting. But more than that, it brought me closer to the people who were also involved in the show. My fellow peers, the learners in grades below me, the backstage crew and the teachers, as well as the dance society. We all came together and put all our efforts into the show. It was an awesome experience filled with laughter. I got to bond with everyone. Being part of this show gave me a sense of pride as well, to be doing something like this for my school in my final year. The build-up of each and every practice, the anticipation of the show, waiting backstage, knowing you have a full crowd of people out there, waiting for you to perform, is the most amazing feeling ever. I’m so glad that I got to be part of the fashion show.”

Grade 8 pupil Saarah Abrahams said it was a great experience. 

“I felt a strong sense of connection with my peers and teachers, and it was amazing how quickly we bonded through the process. In such a short time we grew closer, supporting each other and sharing in the excitement. It made the experience even more memorable and meaningful.”