The Event Award: Local
“This event resonated as it was designed by students for students, but was also a successful fundraiser. It shows creativity, flair and passion”
Durham University Charity Fashion Show (DUCFS)
What was the purpose of the event?
Founded in 1983, DUCFS is an annual fundraising initiative designed by some of Durham University’s brightest and most passionate students determined to raise awareness about society’s most pressing issues and bring about positive change.
In recent years, the event has grown exponentially to become the most profitable student-led fundraising event in the UK. Whilst the event is primarily organised to raise as much money as possible for charity, it also remains the most highly anticipated event of the Durham social calendar, with each year promising to be bigger and better than ever.
What made this event exceptional?
For the first time in DUCFS’s history, the committee decided to partner with two charities, STOP THE TRAFFIK and Fashion Revolution, in order to build and launch a bespoke campaign that targeted issues including human trafficking, worker exploitation and unjust human labour rights in global supply chains.
The show raised an unprecedented £171,000 for these two charities, taking place over 3 nights to an audience of almost 3,000 guests. The popularity and anticipation for the show was clear, with all tickets selling out in under 5 seconds.
The show was certainly bigger and better than ever, with the drinks reception featuring an exhibition with work by student artists, multiple performances by live musicians, a neo-classical performance by DU Ballet Company as well as Durham’s favourite contemporary dance group, Troupe.
The clothing featured ranged from graduate designers to high-end luxury labels, which were sent to be featured from all over the world. DUCFS was also supported by major sponsors, some of which include Red Bull, Aloha 65, Deliveroo, Domino’s, VK, Newton and Teach First.
How did this event make a difference to students?
As a primarily academic university, DUCFS is the primary hub for likeminded creative individuals in Durham. The event is entirely student-led and therefore represents the power of our generation to bring about positive social change, using the medium of innovative creativity to do so.
The event is not only the highlight of the year for the thousands of Durham students that attend, but it is also a fantastic and unique opportunity for anyone who gets involved in a more organisational capacity.
The event attributes all of its success to the hard work and dedication of 31 executive committee members, 50 models, 3 presenters, over 25 reps and volunteers and 3 presenters, all of whom strive to put on a show that is unmatched both in terms of its creative spectacle and also the money raised for an amazing cause.
DUCFS is a truly unique opportunity for every Durham student, whether organiser or attendee, in its ability to unite people behind an important charitable through creative innovation and positive collaboration.