2026 Sustainable Fashion Show
Saturday, 18 July at 2pm – unticketed, just turn up
This year’s show features designers presenting original looks created from second-hand, recycled, and sustainably sourced materials, continuing the event’s long-standing commitment to sustainability. For 2026, this focus will be brought to life through the theme Dreamscape, chosen by the 2025 designers to inspire imaginative and visually striking work.
Visitors will have the chance to meet the designers, learn more about their creative process, and explore post-show stalls featuring the showcased outfits and other creations.
Meet the dancers and designers of 2026
Courtenay Bray
Ella Waddell
Elsa Astrid
Helena Angstmann
Megan Storer
Mya McDermott
Priya Obeti
Yuching Luk
Alice Palazon / Notorious Alice
Fashion designer / pattern maker / accessory designer
“I am a fashion designer, pattern-maker and the founder of Notorious Alice. Inspired by alternative fashion, gothic aesthetics, and subcultural influences, I create garments and accessories that balance technical construction with playful storytelling. My work celebrates individuality, craftsmanship and the freedom of expression without compromise.”
Artist’s links
Annabella Fernandes
Dancer
“I am a Leeds-based movement artist and facilitator with Trace Collective. My practice weaves together improvisational scores and somatic exploration, revealing how art and nature transform us. By drawing inspiration from our environments, I cultivate somatic practices that deepen connections and expand perspectives within communities through movement.”
Artist’s links
Charlie Smith
Designer
“My name is Charlie and I am originally from a small town in Wales, graduating from Leeds Arts University a few years ago. I upcycle clothes and also host workshops where I teach people how to upcycle and how to use a sewing machine! My work is rooted in the punk and goth scene, focusing on using second-hand materials and clothing to create original garments and to break the fast fashion cycle. “
Artist’s links
Cyndy Toole
Designer
“I started sewing in 2023 after hand-stitching decorations for my daughter’s nursery. After mentioning I wanted to learn properly, my husband surprised me with sewing lessons and my first machine for my birthday. I’ve been hooked ever since! I love exploring charity shops for hidden gems to upcycle, and creating matching outfits for my two daughters, who’ll be modelling my designs. By day, I’m a National Manager in Private Wealth, balancing a busy career with raising young children. Amidst this pace, sewing serves as my creative outlet to slow down and create something unique.”
Artist’s links
Jackie Peck
Upcycle designer
“Since retiring, I have started an upcycling brand, ZOLA.remade, where I create bags from second-hand materials. I use mostly discarded denim, but also other vintage materials such as tablecloths, curtains and needlepoints. My aim is to keep items out of landfill by making them into unique, hand-crafted bags.”
Artist’s social media links:
Leeds Hospital Charity
Upcyling
Supporting Leeds Hospital Charity. Jackie Peck tells us, “Helena, Jax and myself have entered as a group for Leeds Hospital Charities. We volunteer as upcyclers with the charity shop in the Merrion Centre and upcycle clothes that cannot be sold and are on their way to landfill. Along with other volunteers, we transform, embellish and update these clothes and put them back into circulation.”
Artist’s links
Lillie Newman – Lillie of the Valley
Fashion designer / textiles
“I’m a fashion design student at Leeds Beckett University working my way up to be a well-known face in the fashion scene.”
Artist’s links
Marguerite & Mungo
Wearable floral art badges and corsages
“Based in Wakefield, I create wearable floral art badges and corsages from vintage wool blankets and second-hand natural textiles. Inspired by the flowers and seedheads in my local area, and informed by sustainable fashion techniques, I combine hand-stitching and beading to transform unwanted fabrics into unique wearable pieces.”
Artist’s links
Muskan Mehan
Sustainable fashion design and textiles
“I am a sustainable fashion designer and textile artist who loves working with fabric, making, and experimenting. I work with post-consumer textiles, transforming them through upcycling, natural dyes, and fabric manipulation techniques. I am particularly interested in creating transformable, multipurpose garments that encourage people to use and value clothing for longer. I am interested in the stories that garments carry – traces of labour, wear, and memory. Through my work with Ekcharkha Collective, I explore ideas of repair and overproduction, and ask the question of what will remain.”
Artist’s links
Sophia
Dance
“I am Sophia Kato (she/her), a British-Japanese contemporary and ballet dancer, and an emerging choreographer, who trained at Northern Ballet Academy and Leeds Beckett University. I blend creativity, adaptability, and strong technique. My work merges classical precision with contemporary innovation, using movement to connect, tell stories, and create performances that are impactful, collaborative, and meaningful.”
Artist’s links
Seema Rajpurohit
Mixed media / fashion / jewellery design
“I am a creative educator and multidisciplinary artist specializing in upcycled fashion and jewellery. After an industry break, workshops with Kriti and mentorship from Archana Surana deeply inspired me, reigniting my passion for sustainable design. Alongside teaching early childhood education, I use art to spark imagination and positivity. By transforming forgotten textiles, I blend my fashion roots with a conscious approach to prove that style and sustainability beautifully belong together.”
Artist’s links
TO BE FRANK
Designer / maker / mixed media
“I’m a self-taught mixed media artist and designer maker with an upcycling obsession! My practice over the years has encompassed painting, art jewellery, assemblage and textile art, all of which incorporate found objects and recycled elements. My passion for antique and vintage textiles was recently rekindled and as a staunch supporter of slow and upcycled fashion I’ve started making clothing and accessories again. Sewing helped me through a recent mental health crisis and I hope to help others discover the joys of upcycling.”
TO BE FRANK describes their work as “eclectic art and anti-fashion mixing a punk attitude with pop culture, folk history and general irreverence.”
Artist’s links
Please note, Kirkstall Abbey closes at 4 pm.
Access Guide
Heritage – twelfth century Abbey ruins.
Please see the main Kirkstall Abbey access guide for more details about the venue.
- The church is located on the left-hand side of the cloister (courtyard).
- The cloister area consists of grass with a tarmac path around the edge.
- The church interior has uneven cobblestone and gravel surfaces.
- The majority of the church is step-free.
- Both assistance dogs and pets dogs are welcome in the Abbey grounds but must be kept on a lead.
- Dog bowls are available at the front entrance of the café.
- Dogs are allowed in the café, but only assistance dogs are permitted in the Rose Room.
- There are bins available for disposing of dog waste.
- Toilets are located in the shop.
- There are separate male and female toilets.
- A separate gender-inclusive accessible toilet is also available.
- Facilities in the accessible toilets include handrails on both sides of the toilet, an emergency alarm, and a fire alarm with a flashing light. There is room for a wheelchair to manoeuvre and space for an assistant. This toilet is not RADAR key operated.
- Baby changing facilities are available in the accessible toilet in the visitor centre. Kirkstall Abbey is a breastfeeding-friendly space.
- There is a café at Kirkstall Abbey.
- The menu includes sandwiches, hot meals, ice cream, and a variety of baked goods.
- Vegan and gluten-free options are available.
- Hot and cold drinks are served, and milk alternatives are available.
- High chairs are available.
- Service is at the counter, but table service can be requested.
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