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: TBC
Application deadline: TBC
Show date: 2pm, Saturday 17 July 2027
Rehearsal: 2pm, Sunday 11 July 2027 (arrive 1.30pm)
Final rehearsal: Saturday 17 July 2027, on site by 12.30pm
2027 theme: TBC
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, an additional theme is chosen by the previous year’s designers – for 2026, this was ‘dreamscape’, chosen by the 2025 designers. The 2027 theme will be chosen by the 2026 cohort and confirmed in due course.
What sustainability means
Sustainability means:
reducing waste generation and promoting the circular economy
consuming less and choosing sustainable brands
improving resource efficiency and considering the entire life cycle of an item
the longevity, repairability, and recyclability of items
Designers are asked 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
When the opportunity is open, interest can be registered through this website. It is advertised early to give designers plenty of time to design and make their outfits, and shared across social media, in newsletters, on posters around Leeds, and by word of mouth.
After applying
Once an application has been reviewed, an email is sent to confirm the outcome, including a link to join the ‘Fashion Show’ WhatsApp group. A member of the 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.
Preparing for the show
The WhatsApp group
WhatsApp is used to support clear communication and simplify organisation. Providing a mobile number allows a designer or volunteer to be added to the ‘Fashion Show’ private group chat.
Meeting the other participants
Meetings are held before the Fashion Show, both online and in person. These give designers and other volunteers the chance to meet, discuss how the show will work, and ask questions.
How many outfits
One or more outfits can be made. Each outfit requires a separate model, as there is no time to change between walks.
Sourcing materials
charity shop finds
hand-me-downs
donations
unconventional materials – duvets, curtains, or similar
reused buttons, zips, and fastenings
No new materials except sewing thread.
Finding a model
An outfit can be modelled by the designer themselves, or by a friend or family member. The model can be of any gender, age, size, or ability – there are no boundaries to who can walk the catwalk. Designers struggling to find a model can ask in the group chat, where another designer may be able to help.
Your profile
A profile on the website is optional. Designers and other Fashion Show participants can be included so visitors can see who they 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. A 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’s provided.
Anyone interested can request a form to complete with their 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 is a rehearsal on Sunday 11 July 2027 at 2pm. Participants should arrive at 1.30pm for a prompt start – this day should be kept free for a walk-through and technical rehearsal. Finished garments are not needed for this.
There is one last rehearsal before the main show on Saturday 17 July 2027. Participants need to be on site at 12.30pm.
Attending all rehearsals is important, as this allows potential issues, technical glitches, and staging logistics to be identified and fixed in advance.
Catwalk and Art Trail
Hair and make-up
Hair and make-up are the designer’s or model’s own responsibility. The Abbey has no facilities for styling, so preparation should be done before arriving 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
Outfits can be displayed after the show, giving visitors the opportunity to see the work up close and chat with the designer. Other items can also be brought to sell. Bringing business cards, and sharing social media and website details with visitors, is encouraged.
Designers available to display and sell across the full weekend, not just after the show, are especially welcomed.
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