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Beyond the runway: flagship student charity fashion show invites alumni to reconnect

8 August 2025
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Durham University Charity Fashion Show returns for its 43rd year with a renewed focus on alumni engagement, philanthropy, and community.

Europe’s largest and most successful student-led fundraiser continues to evolve. Over the 2025/26 academic year Durham University Charity Fashion Show (DUCFS) is inviting alumni to take part in its journey.

Celebrating alumni: a 40+ year history 

To reunite DUCFS alumni and kickstart the 2026 campaign, the society invites its global network of former members to join them for a relaxed evening of conversation and connection at The Phene in Chelsea on Tuesday 19 August. Whether you were a model, marketer, production crew member, or on the executive committee, come along and reflect on the continued impact of the DUCFS community. You can view more event details using the link at the bottom of this article.

The society would also love to hear your stories, memories, and insights. Were you on the catwalk, or working behind the scenes? Has your DUCFS experience shaped your career? No matter where you are now, get in touch to share and inspire current students starting out on their DUCFS journeys using the details at the bottom of this article.

DUCFS 2026 is set to be bigger and better than ever. We're excited about the future and hope to see DUCFS continue to grow - not only as a staple of Durham life, but as a recognised name across the UK. Our mission is to make the most tangible impact possible through our fundraising efforts. We hope to create a lasting legacy by raising awareness about our chosen charity. DUCFS really is for anyone and everyone - it’s a wonderful creative outlet and platform that welcomes all voices, talents, and perspectives. It’s definitely going to be an exciting year ahead.
Charlotte Edwards
DUCFS President

Get involved

Whether you’re based in Durham, London, or further afield, there are many ways to get involved with DUCFS 2026:

  • Come along to DUCFS alumni events - network with fellow alumni and current exec members in London or Durham.
  • Partner with the campaign - introduce your organisation to sponsorship or brand partnership opportunities.
  • Support local initiatives – through mentoring, volunteering or financial support.
  • Share your experience - offer guidance and expertise, connections, time, mentorship, or career insights to students.
  • Stay connected - follow DUCFS on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content.

Image courtesy of Lewis Burnham Photography.

Fundraising with impact

Since 2018, DUCFS has raised over £1 million for causes including mental health, environmental justice, youth development, and cancer care. Recent highlights include:

  • 2022 - £205,000 raised for the Teenage Cancer Unit at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital, including £50,000 to fund a lead nurse.
  • 2023 – support for the Rainbow Trust, reaching 500 beneficiaries, and helping 125 families of children with life threatening or terminal illnesses.
  • 2024 - £190,000 raised for suicide prevention charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), funding helplines and mental health support in the North East of England.
  • 2025 – a record-breaking year supporting Macmillan Cancer Support, funding two new psychological support roles for families affected by cancer in County Durham.

From catwalk to community

Alongside national charity partnerships, DUCFS continues to grow its local outreach through Launchpad, an initiative that collaborates with grassroots organisations such as RTProjects and Durham City of Sanctuary.

One standout project, the DJ School, launched by Durham graduates, helps young people explore music production and develop creative skills. DUCFS student volunteers play a key role in successful delivery.

DUCFS 2026: ‘Reality Rewired’

Creatively, DUCFS 2026 invites audiences to confront the digital age. Its theme, ‘Reality: Rewired’, explores the complexities of modern life - our growing dependence on technology, the rise of artificial intelligence, and the fading line between human and machine. The show will capture both the beauty and anxiety of living in a hyper-connected world, actively working to reimagine, rather than simply reflecting it.

The search for DUCFS’ 2026 charity partner is also underway, with a continued focus on supporting impactful work in the North East of England.

About DUCFS

DUCFS is best known for its four-night fashion show each February, which attracts over 4,000 attendees. Behind the glitz and glamour lies a year-long campaign driven by student creativity, collaboration, and philanthropic commitment. 

Events run include art showcases and sustainability workshops, fundraising challenges and panel discussions. Every pound raised goes to a nominated charity, creating a tangible impact within Durham’s local community and nationally. DUCFS offers a platform for students to create, connect, and give back.

Watch the aftermovie from DUCFS 2024: ‘The Future is Now’. 

Video: Nicholas Chan (videography), Molly Mihell and Cameron Wylie (2024 creative direction), Asha Persaud (music direction). 

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Main article image: courtesy of Ollie Turan Photography.

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Get in touch with DUCFS

Sophie Sutton, PR Director

Charlotte Edwards, President

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Find out more