From Rep to Director

by Auxanne Dhuiege

Second year 2022: Auxanne (on the left) and by her side Violette Bishow - Fashion team 2022-25

When I first arrived at St Andrews, one of my friends insisted I apply to be a Fresher Rep for the St Andrews Charity Fashion Show. I didn't realise it at the time, but that decision would shape my entire university experience.

As a first-year student, it was a crucial part of my integration. It gave me a home away from home and introduced me to friends I still have today. FS quickly became my anchor in my first year, giving me purpose, structure, and a group of people I could count on. As a Fresher Rep, I got to see the inner workings of FS up close, from the behind-the-scenes of Starfields, the biggest student festival in the UK that closes Freshers' Week, to helping at the main show. Being involved in something that big from my very first days at university sparked a desire to get even more involved as soon as I could. I asked my academic mother, Coco Allen, then Head of Fashion 2023, if I could be a dresser for the show. Behind the curtain was pure organised chaos: models rushing past, clothes flying, and the crowd shouting on the other side of the stage. Seeing the committee keep it all under control with such calm precision made me realise I wanted to work alongside them.

When applications opened at the end of my first year, I immediately applied to join the committee. My backstage experience with the models and fashion team pushed me towards a creative role, but I was instead selected to be part of a logistics subcommittee. Looking back, that unexpected switch was invaluable as it gave me a well-rounded understanding of FS operations, from creative vision to logistical execution, and ultimately prepared me for my current role as Creative Director. But most of all, FS is not just about fashion and events; it is about making an impact. Over the years, we have donated more than £600,000 to charity, and this year we are proud to be partnering with the British Heart Foundation. It is a powerful reminder that what we create together on stage ripples far beyond St Andrews and our individual experiences.

Today, as a fourth-year student, FS has shaped my university life in ways I could never have imagined. It is not only a major part of my workload throughout the year, but it has also given me professional skills, confidence, and connections that have helped me secure three internship offers. Once you are part of the FS family, it becomes a part of you that lasts forever. I was lucky enough to meet people who were Directors in 2013, and this shared experience created an instant bond, a reminder that FS is not just an event, but a legacy you carry with you forever.

More than anything, FS has been the constant thread tying together my time at St Andrews; from that first nervous step as a Fresher Rep to leading the creative vision of one of the UK's most significant student-run events. It is the story of how one small "yes" in first year grew into a defining chapter of my life, one I'll carry with me long after I leave St Andrews. If you get the chance, say yes because FS gave me a family, unforgettable memories, and a home I'll carry with me wherever I go.

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