Beyond the runway: LINE Fashion’s decade of fashioning community

LINE Fashion has become a cornerstone of creative expression and collaboration at the University of Warwick, marking its 10th anniversary with a vibrant and continually evolving legacy. To give you an insight into what makes this society so unique, I speak to three key voices: Anastasia Gandzha, who joined the society during its transformative years and played a pivotal role in shaping LINE’s recent direction, Krisztina Keresztes, the current co-president of the society, and Sofia Drake-Perello, a model who experienced its thrill firsthand. All three members narrate an idyllic and unblemished spirit behind the inner workings of the society.

As Co-President my mission is to provide a platform for creatives and fashion enthusiasts. We’re all about bringing innovative ideas to life and connecting people through shared creativity

Krisztina Keresztes, co-president of LINE

Yusra: Could you tell us about your role and how you have contributed to LINE’s growth

Anastasia: “I joined LINE because I wanted to challenge myself. I had no prior experience in fashion or event management, but I quickly found my place. Last year, I was responsible for curating the entire show. My proposal of the ‘Seven Deadly Sins’ theme reshaped how we worked as a team. Previously, designers and models operated independently, but I wanted to make it more collaborative. From the outset, I encouraged models to share their ideas and designers to incorporate those inspirations. It’s this shared creativity that’s defined the last two years”

Kriszti: “I started as a marketing executive three years ago. When I began, I was a Canva warrior using basic templates, but the team believed in my passion for creativity. What struck me most was how LINE encouraged every idea, no matter how unconventional. Now, as Co-President my mission is to provide a platform for creatives and fashion enthusiasts. We’re all about bringing innovative ideas to life and connecting people through shared creativity.”

Sofia’s experience as a model echoes this shift toward inclusivity and collaboration.

Sofia: “I wasn’t initially part of the society but a friend on the exec convinced me to try out as a model. I’ve never considered myself a conventional model, so I thought: ‘Why not?’ The whole process – from fittings to rehearsals – was out of my comfort zone. I didn’t think I had a chance, but the moment I met my designer, it felt like magic; a place where I belong.”

Yusra: What do you think when you look back to the start of LINE, how has the society evolved over the past 10 years?

Anastasia: “It started as a small group of friends treating it as a fun project. Over time, LINE grew into a thriving creative hub, with professional-level shows.”

Kristi: “It’s been an incredible journey! What started as a small society has transformed dramatically. Our Instagram feed tells the story of our growth! In just the past three years, we’ve expanded our reach significantly. One of my proudest moments was participating in organising a fashion show where students not only modelled but also designed and crafted every detail from the tiniest details of decorations.”

The members emphasise how the society moves from a designer-led process to one where models play an active role for a seamless production.

Yusra: LINE’s events take a lot of careful preparation. How would you best explain the creative process behind the fashion shows?

Kristi: “Our ‘Once in a Time’ show was a perfect example of collaborative creativity. Each department plays a crucial role: Fashion show sets the theme, Social creates decorations and plans the after-party, Marketing designs promotional materials, Editorial produces promo videos, and our blog provides deeper insights into designers’ inspirations. It’s like assembling a complex puzzle!”

Anastasia: “We started incorporating the models’ ideas and inspirations. It made the designs more personal and authentic. Being the head of the fashion show, organising an event of this scale was daunting, but it taught me so much about leadership and creativity. Seeing everything come together was beyond rewarding.”

Sofia describes how her relationship with her designer went beyond fittings.

Sofia: “We worked together. I shared my ideas and inspirations, and she really took them on board. It wasn’t just about wearing a dress – my body became part of its creation.”

This collaborative ethos extends past rehearsals and performances. Sofia recounts her experience as Snow White in ‘Once in a Time’.

Sofia: “This experience made me realise that creativity and self-expression aren’t limited by how you look or what you’ve done before. I’ve never considered modelling as a career, I believe I don’t have the conventional body type, but neither did most of the other models. LINE showed me that creativity isn’t about fitting a mould. It made me feel confident and capable.”

Anastasia: “Whether backstage or during rehearsals, the sense of family was undeniable. It wasn’t just a fashion show; it was a shared creative journey.”

Another hallmark of LINE is its infamous house parties. These events, meticulously organized by the exec team, balance fun with safety.

Yusra: As we draw this interview to a close, I must ask about an event which is exclusive to the society and its culture. Would you like to tell our readers about the themed house parties thrown by LINE exec?

Anastasia: “They’re an extension of the community spirit – a place where creativity and camaraderie thrive.”

Kristi: “From ‘Time Travel’ where everyone dresses in their favourite decade, to ‘Naughty or Nice’, the themes are endless. While we do offer unlimited alcohol, safety is everyone’s top priority, and we ensure to have conversations with all the execs who handle the bar to keep this in mind. We’re careful about monitoring consumption and ensuring everyone feels comfortable and has fun. In the past, our events have featured Jello shots, temporary tattoos, rhinestone makeup, hair accessories, and many other surprises! We also love adding fun, silly games, like our door game, where people receive cards and must find their matching pair – it’s a great way to help people connect outside their usual friend groups.”

Sofia: “My first one was right after I got cast, and even though I didn’t know many people, it never felt cliquey. Everyone was so welcoming. They’re intimate and much more personal than club nights, and yes, the unlimited drinks make the ticket price worth it!”

As LINE celebrates its 10th anniversary, the question arises: what lies ahead?

Yusra: Where do you see your society in 60 years?

Anastasia: “The possibilities are endless. I see LINE becoming an international society, hosting shows that attract global audiences. With technology evolving, the shows will only become more innovative and immersive.”

Sofia: “In 60 years, I see LINE hosting fashion shows above the Warwick Piazza. Models hologrammed onto the stage with drones hovering overhead. Something straight out of The Hunger Games – but glamorous and fabulous, of course!”

LINE Fashion, with its blend of creativity, collaboration, and community, stands as a beacon of what a student society can achieve

Kristi: “I hope that we’ll continue to provide a platform for collaborations and friendships, maintaining the magic of in-person experiences. While AI might advance, I believe there’s something irreplaceable about live fashion shows and human creativity. I’m so excited to see what LINE will create with future fashion trends and artistic inspirations. If we keep growing at this pace, the possibilities are truly limitless. I can’t wait to see it all unfold and make sure to follow their future steps!”

LINE Fashion, with its blend of creativity, collaboration, and community, stands as a beacon of what a student society can achieve. As it continues to grow, it carries the promise of inspiring generations to come. If you’re interested in fashion, creative expression, and inclusivity, LINE is the place to be.