Reclaim Runway: Review of “Cabinets of Curiosity” at the Bell Pettigrew Museum

Hidden among the historic artifacts and natural specimens of the Bell Pettigrew Museum, Reclaim Runway’s latest presentation, "Cabinets of Curiosity," offered an intimate, heartfelt departure from the typical St Andrews fashion show formula. The museum’s quiet atmosphere transformed into a makeshift catwalk that wove models in and out of the audience’s line of sight, inviting a fluid, communal experience. 

Unlike the large-scale productions that dominate the fashion circuit in this town, this show felt delightfully personal. The audience — carefully scattered throughout the museum’s corridors rather than herded into a typical single seating arrangement — witnessed the collection as a series of surprise encounters from unique vantage points. Models strolled past at arm’s length, allowing the craftsmanship of each piece to be seen up close and appreciated for its delicate detail. These garments, all sustainably made by student designers, were fewer in number than most shows, but their scarcity only heightened the care and thoughtful design that went into them.

Live music by Since Juniper was performed continuously throughout the event, giving the entire showcase a soundtrack that was immersive, one that aligned perfectly with the ethos of community and creativity on display. This steady, soulful performance offered a gentle alternative to the typical DJ showcase so common to St Andrews. It made the experience feel like a celebration of slow fashion rather than a spectacle to be consumed and forgotten.

Audience members each received a small gift at the start: charming tokens such as bracelets or stickers, unique to each chair. It was a sweet, personal touch that underscored the show’s overall warmth. Tickets were kept affordable, another nod to inclusivity and a refreshing change from the big-name St Andrews fashion shows whose ticket prices can feel exclusive at times. Here, everyone was invited to share in a moment of collective appreciation—not only for the clothing, but also for the ethos that informed it.

In many ways, "Cabinets of Curiosity" was more than a runway event; it was an invitation to consider fashion differently. Rather than being a spectacle, it offered intimacy. Rather than mass production, it used sustainable design. Rather than distant, unreachable glamour, it presented a community coming together — designers, musicians, audience members — to tell a meaningful, human story.

For those intrigued by the behind-the-scenes details of how this all came together, be sure to check out our interview with Reclaim Runway (Season 2, Issue 5). If this show is any indication, they’re setting out a new, heartfelt path in the fashion of St Andrews, where curiosity, community and conscientiousness take center stage.