Maddog was recently invited to the Runway fashion show at the University of East Anglia. Now in its fifteenth year it showcases clothes from all the best independent fashion boutiques in Norwich, including The Rock Collection, Black Lace, DKA, Cult, Blue Jean Co, Asylum, Dogfish, Catfish, Phillip Browne, Soho Hip, Animal, Love, Blue Inc, Elements, and The Ship Of Fools. But what makes Runway special is that the entire show is made up of a series of intricate, hip dance routines choreographed by Stephen Knight. That explains why the LCR was packed to the rafters.

Highlights for me were the opening burlesque, Moulin Rouge-esque routine showcasing some kinky lacy numbers and a brilliantly outrageous tartan suit; a wonderfully quirky Bugsy Malone pastiche using vintage clothes from Blue Ink and Love Couture set to ‘Fat Sam’s Grand Slam Speak Easy’; and finally a collection of very short skirts from Catfish, which saw an array of lovely, lovely legs opening and closing in a ‘Seven Nations Army’ style composition.

The end result is so fresh and exhilarating that it makes you wonder if the fashion capitals haven’t missed a trick. After all there must be more inventive ways to show off clothes than having wiry models strutting monotonously up and down a stage? Milan are you paying attention? Put down that Martini! Then again most models aren’t trained dancers and would probably breakdown if they had to do anything more complicated than walking around with books on their heads (one of them tried reading one once and was hospitalised for three weeks). Can you imagine Kate Moss on the catwalk getting her funky stuff on? Surely she’d break a nail?

Maddog was given exclusive access to the backstage area (something that caused many blushes and awkward moments for this poor journalist). We decided instead of taking pictures of the show itself like everyone else that we’d do something a bit more original and give you some edgy photos documenting the models being dolled up by hair stylist Max Giamello and a small army of make up artists. So I present you maddog’s exclusive backstage shoot of Runway ’09. Enjoy!

Word > Andrew Wensum
Photos > Katie Utting