The Reclaim Runway Story: “Camp, Surreal and Intimate”
Sit-down Interview with the Director Aidan Ideker
Interviewed by Ana Sunjka
Ana: Cabinets of Curiosities is such a unique name for a fashion showcase. Could you tell us what inspired this theme and how it connects with your vision of sustainability?
Aidan: The inspiration for "Cabinets of Curiosities" really ties back to the evolution of Reclaim Runway. It all started with me reaching out to some designer friends last year—people who were passionate about sewing—to see if they were interested in creating a collective focused on sustainable fashion. We needed a theme that offered enough creative freedom for designers to express their unique visions, and "Cabinets of Curiosities" was just perfect. The name also fit well with our venue; with zero budget and limited options in St Andrews, we had to be inventive. The theme allowed us to embrace those constraints in an artistic way.
Ana: Sustainability in fashion is a growing trend, but it’s also challenging. What obstacles have you faced in incorporating upcycling and sustainability into the showcase, and how have you overcome them?
Aidan: There have been challenges, and I'm sure more are coming as the show gets closer. But honestly, sourcing materials has been easier than expected, thanks to Transition and St & Reuse. They've been amazing—most of our materials come directly from their donations. Upcycling is definitely labor-intensive; deconstructing old pieces to repurpose them takes time, but it's all part of the creative journey.
Ana: How did you decide which local designers and charity shops to collaborate with for this event?
Aidan: We have some incredible pieces—like an upcycled wedding dress—that came from local donations. Transition, a group dedicated to sustainability, has been essential. They’ve got donation bins all over St Andrews, so we sourced most of our materials from there. Occasionally, we do pitch in to buy specific items from charity shops, and for this first show, we’ve partnered with Save the Children. We’ll have a section of our runway dedicated to some of their items, and they will be for sale there as well. I'm hopeful that more collaborations could be on the cards in the future.
Ana: The concept of "reclaiming" runs through everything you do. What does "reclaim" mean to you in the context of fashion, and how do you think it resonates with your audience? Who came up with the name?
Aidan: Girl, ChatGPT! But it really captures the essence of what we're doing. Reclaiming, for me, is about taking back control of the fashion narrative in St Andrews. We want to make fashion accessible, inclusive, and community-driven. We’re not trying to shake things up just for the sake of it, but we do want to reclaim fashion from being an exclusive, expensive experience. It should be approachable and joyful for everyone.
Ana: I love that! What do you hope the audience takes away from Cabinets of Curiosities regarding their own relationship with fashion?
Aidan: I want people to see that there’s so much talent here in St Andrews—artists that deserve to be uplifted and celebrated. Fashion isn’t just about the clothes; it’s about the community and the creativity behind them. If we can inspire people to see their own wardrobes as canvases for self-expression, and to think about sustainability in their choices, then I think we’ve succeeded.
Ana: What has been the most rewarding part of organizing a fashion show centered around sustainability and upcycling?
Aidan: Watching all these talented people come together has been amazing. Every designer brings something unique—some crochet, others sew in ways I could never imagine. Seeing these talents merge into one cohesive showcase is incredibly rewarding.
Ana: What advice would you give to students or young people who want to make their wardrobes more sustainable but don’t know where to start?
Aidan: St & Reuse is a fantastic resource. Learning to mend your clothes is also a game-changer—it makes your wardrobe more sustainable and personal. We also run sewing classes as part of Reclaim Runway, which is a great way to pick up those skills. And of course, keep an eye out for second-hand finds online—there’s so much inspiration to be found if you approach it with an open mind.
Ana: How do you envision the future of Reclaim Runway evolving in the coming years? Any big ideas or aspirations for next year?
“We want to reclaim fashion from being an exclusive, expensive experience. It should be approachable and joyful for everyone.”
Aidan: I don’t see Reclaim Runway as a one-off project—it’s something I hope continues long after we’ve left university. The sewing classes are something I’m particularly passionate about because there’s no central, free fashion community class here for adults. And now, we’re even getting interest from nearby towns like Cupar, which is exciting. My hope is that Reclaim keeps growing, and that it continues to provide a platform for anyone interested in sustainable fashion. If you’re listening—come to our next class!
Ana: What sets Cabinets of Curiosities apart from other fashion shows? What makes it a truly unique experience?
Aidan: I hesitate to call it just a "fashion show"—it’s more than that. It’s a showcase. We’re focusing on the clothes and the stories behind them, not just the choreography or lighting. What really sets us apart is that the designers are running the show. I’m the director, but I’m also a designer—it’s all very hands-on. We’re creating something that’s artist-driven and community-focused, and there’s a real hunger for that here in St Andrews.
“This is all about community, and there’s a place for everyone in it.”
Ana: If you could describe the showcase in three words, what would they be?
Aidan: Camp, surreal, intimate.
Ana: How many people are involved in Reclaim Runway?
Aidan: There are about 20 of us—designers, models, event planners. It’s truly a collaborative effort.
Ana: Financing a sustainable fashion show can be quite a challenge. How did you secure the funding for Reclaim Runway, and what were some of the key financial considerations in making this vision a reality?
Aidan: We started with zero pounds, and to be honest, we’re still operating on a shoestring budget. I’ve put in some of my own money, but we’ve kept costs really low—the venue was only £95. We’re not affiliated with the university, so we don’t have that financial backing, but keeping it affordable is important to us. Tickets are just £7, which makes it accessible for everyone.
Ana: The atmosphere of a show can transform its message. How did you use staging and lighting to elevate the experience and align it with your sustainable vision?
Aidan: We’ve had several meetings at the venue to make sure every detail aligns with our vision. From the lighting to the way the chairs are set up, we’re keeping everything simple, intimate, and sustainable. It’s all about focusing on fashion and letting it speak for itself.
Ana: When all is said and done, how do you measure the impact of Reclaim Runway? What changes are you hoping to inspire in both the local community and the broader fashion industry?
Aidan: I’d love to do annual reviews to track our progress. For now, I hope our impact is about encouraging more community-focused, sustainable events—ones that are accessible and don’t cost an arm and a leg.
I’m so grateful to everyone involved; it’s been an incredible journey, and I feel truly lucky to be surrounded by such a talented, creative, and positive group of people. It's about the vibes—and we’ve got the best ones.
Ana: Thank you so much, Aidan, for sharing your journey with us. I can't wait to see how Cabinets of Curiosities unfolds and the impact it will have on the St Andrews community.
Aidan: Thanks so much, Ana. It means a lot to have this platform to share what we’re doing. I hope everyone who reads this feels inspired to come along and join us—whether it’s by attending the show, joining a sewing class, or just getting more creative with their own wardrobe. This is all about community, and there’s a place for everyone in it.
Image Courtesy of Ayla Ahmed.
All views expressed in this article are the author’s own, and may not reflect the opinions of N/A Magazine.
Posted Friday 15th November 2024.
Edited by Ana Sunjka