From Backstage to Centre Stage: Lincoln College Students Steal the Show

Lincoln College students took centre stage – both behind the scenes and in the spotlight – as they played a huge part in this year’s BIG City Lincoln Fashion Show, held at The Drill on Thursday 9th October. 

Mark Locking, Principal and CEO at Lincoln College said: "In a true display of cross-course collaboration, students from Hair & Beauty, Dance, Fashion, Photography, and Performing Arts came together to contribute to the evening’s creative success, gaining valuable real-world experience in the process."

The pressure was on for the Level 2 and 3 Hairdressing and Beauty students, who were responsible for preparing 44 models for the runway. They delivered a natural, fresh-faced look with elegant curls and stylish updos – all under tight time constraints. The fast-paced environment offered an invaluable opportunity for students to put their skills into practice while working with a variety of clients. 

Grace, a first-year Level 3 Fashion student, said: “I’m doing this today because it’s out of my comfort zone, and I want to see what goes on behind the scenes of the catwalk. It’s my first time modelling, so I’m using this work experience to see whether I’d like to pursue modelling within the fashion industry.” 

On hand to document the action were second-year Level 3 Photography students, who captured behind-the-scenes preparations and live coverage from the catwalk. For these aspiring photographers, it was a chance to develop their portfolios and experiment with lighting and movement.

Kicking off the evening with energy and flair were the Level 3 Dance students, who impressed the audience with a well-rehearsed and lively performance. Despite challenges such as limited rehearsal space, their hard work paid off – offering a boost to their confidence and giving them a memorable experience to add to their growing portfolios. 

The runway itself was a true team effort. First-year Level 3 Fashion and second-year Performing Arts students were transformed into runway-ready models, thanks to the expert styling from fellow students. Their presence on the catwalk was not just about modelling but also showcasing the diverse talent found across Lincoln College’s creative departments. 

A highlight of the night was the showcase of handmade corsets by second-year Fashion students. These stunning pieces walked the runway alongside designs from 20 Lincoln-based retailers, giving student designers the chance to present their work in a professional fashion setting. 

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