Taking part in the Fashion Show
The Kirkstall Art Trail Fashion Show is a sustainable, community-led catwalk show held every year at Kirkstall Abbey. Taking part isn’t limited to designers – photographers, content creators, DJs, emcees, and make-up artists are all welcome too. This page covers everything involved, from registering interest through to the show itself.
Key information
Applications open: to be confirmed
Application deadline: to be confirmed
Show: Saturday 17 July 2027, 2pm
Rehearsal: Sunday 11 July 2027, 2pm. Arrive by 1.30pm
Final rehearsal: Saturday 17 July 2027. On site by 12.30pm
2027 theme: to be confirmed
Interested in taking part? Register your interest (TBC), or contact us, selecting ‘Artists’.
About the Fashion Show
Where and when
The Fashion Show takes place every third Saturday in July, during Kirkstall Art Trail, in the grand surroundings of Kirkstall Abbey.
Theme
The core theme every year is sustainability. Each year, the previous year’s designers also choose an additional theme. For 2026, the 2025 designers chose ‘dreamscape’. The 2026 designers will choose the 2027 theme, and we will publish it here once confirmed.
What sustainability means
For the Fashion Show, sustainability means:
- reducing waste and reusing materials, known as the circular economy
- buying less and choosing sustainable brands and suppliers
- using materials carefully and thinking about an item’s whole life, from making to disposal
- making items that last and can be repaired or recycled
We ask designers to make clothes from second-hand, recycled, or sustainably sourced materials, reducing waste and avoiding the introduction of new materials into the cycle.
Applying
How to apply
- Register your interest through this website when the opportunity is open.
- We advertise it early, to give you plenty of time to design and make your outfit.
- We share it across social media, in newsletters, on posters around Leeds, and by word of mouth.
After applying
Once we’ve reviewed your application, we’ll email you to confirm the outcome, including a link to join the ‘Fashion Show’ WhatsApp group. A member of our team may also make contact by phone.
Other ways to take part
Not a designer? There are many other ways to contribute in bringing the Fashion Show to life. We welcome volunteers from a number of fields:
- modelling
- performing, to open the show
- photography and videography
- content creation
- DJing
- hosting as emcee
- make-up artistry
The application includes space to note what can be offered.
Preparation
The WhatsApp group
We use WhatsApp to support clear communication and simplify organisation. Providing your mobile number allows us to add you to the ‘Fashion Show’ private group chat.
Meeting the other participants
We hold meetings before the Fashion Show, both online and in person. These give you the chance to meet other designers and volunteers, discuss how the show will work, and ask questions.
How many outfits
You can make one or more outfits. Each outfit needs a separate model, as there’s no time to change between walks.
Sourcing materials
- charity shop finds
- hand-me-downs
- donations
- duvets, curtains, or similar
- unconventional materials
- reused buttons, zips, and fastenings
No new materials except sewing thread.
Finding a model
You can model your own outfit, or ask a friend or family member. Your model can be of any gender, age, size, or ability – there are no boundaries to who can walk the catwalk. If you’re struggling to find a model, ask in the group chat, where another designer may be able to help.
Your profile
A profile on the website is optional. We can include you and other Fashion Show participants so visitors can see who you are.
Profiles appear on the Fashion Show venue page for that year, alongside details of the show itself – see the 2026 Fashion Show venue page for an example. Your profile can be as simple as a name and role, or include a short bio, photo, and social media or website links, depending on what you provide.
Let us know if you’d like a form to complete with your details.
Insurance and risk assessment
There is no requirement for Fashion Show participants to hold public liability insurance. However, anyone planning to sell their work after the show, or across the weekend, is encouraged to consider this – see insurance and risk assessment on the information for artists page for more detail.
Fashion Show participants are covered in part by the general event risk assessment, provided to all artists and venues.
Rehearsals
There’s a rehearsal on Sunday 11 July 2027 at 2pm. Please arrive at 1.30pm for a prompt start – keep this day free for a walk-through and technical rehearsal. You won’t need finished garments for this.
There’s one last rehearsal before the main show on Saturday 17 July 2027. Be on site by 12.30pm.
Attending all rehearsals matters, as this lets us identify and fix potential issues, technical glitches, and staging logistics in advance.
Catwalk and Art Trail
Hair and make-up
Hair and make-up are your own responsibility, as the designer or model. The Abbey has no facilities for styling, so prepare before you arrive at the show.
Photography and filming
Volunteers are sought each year to photograph and film the catwalk show. Anyone able to offer their time can contact us.
Displaying and selling after the show
You can display your outfit after the show, giving visitors the chance to see your work up close and chat with you. You can also bring other items to sell. We encourage bringing business cards and sharing your social media and website details with visitors.
If you’re available to display and sell across the full weekend, not just after the show, we’d especially welcome that.
See also selling your work on the information for artists page.
Related information
- Information for artists – everything involved in taking part as an artist
- Access statement – how Kirkstall Art Trail approaches accessibility across the event and website
- Environmental sustainability commitment – how Kirkstall Art Trail works to reduce its environmental impact