The second edition of the “fashion show by and for young people” took place recently in the Antwerp dance temple Noxx. Dance floors made way for a giant catwalk, and dancers exchanged for striking models.

“A lot of Antwerp’s young people are immensely interested in fashion, but they never get the opportunity to see a live catwalk show”, says Michiel Sallaets, one of the eight enterprising students who organised the fashion show cum party. “We want to offer them a fashionable experience made to fit in with their limited finances.”

Who said today’s youth was a lazy and unimaginative bunch? With virtually no budget to speak of, the group (who cheekily refer to themselves as the “new Antwerp 8”) put together show that was as slick as something done by a top designer paying top rates.

Every member of the team had a specific task to complete, from public relations to the casting of models, from securing a location to recruiting boutiques to participate.

This year, six stores lent their clothes: from the classy Privilege to the edgy Fish & Chips. Each boutique was given its own little show within a show, and a seamless transition from one to another was guaranteed through dance and hip-hop acts.

The models strutted down the catwalk with the confidence of career models, although in fact all of them were students or other young people with a passion for fashion. “We gave them some training and invited scouts from modelling agencies to come and take a look on the night,” says Sallaets.

IncuFashion hopes eventually to become a major networking tool for young talent in the fashion world. Both aspiring models and young designers should be able to showcase their talent and get in touch with people who can help further their careers. To this end, a file is kept for each model, so that agencies can obtain the records of the girls or boys that interest them.

The Antwerp 8 are already making plans for next year’s edition, which might take place in Brussels at the vast Vorst Nationaal. This creative generation is definitely thinking big.

www.incufashion.be