The Durham University Charity Fashion Show (DUCFS) of 2024 marked another successful year as Europe’s largest student-led fundraiser, captivating audiences with its innovative theme “The Future is Now” and raising significant funds for the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)[^1]. The event showcased a seamless blend of avant-garde student fashion and social consciousness, highlighting the importance of mental health support through creative expression.
At the helm of the creative direction was Molly Mihell, Vice-President (Creative), who drew inspiration from the potential of future innovation to drive change and growth. Her vision for DUCFS was to portray an exciting openness and the dynamic process of development through the medium of fashion[^1]. This approach not only provided inspiration but also aligned perfectly with the charitable aim of the show, encouraging students to think about their active role in supporting and promoting CALM’s message.
The selection of designers and models was critical to the success of the show. Designers such as Yijin Ge from the London College of Fashion, Maison Lapin from Cambridge School of Arts, and Shakira Anderson from Birmingham City University were carefully chosen to reflect the creative vision. Similarly, Model Manager Ella-May Van Der Gaag emphasized the importance of selecting models who could represent the DUCFS brand in their unique ways, without adhering to a predefined set of criteria[^1].
The impact of DUCFS extends beyond the runway, as it fosters a sense of community, creativity, and philanthropy among students and the broader community. It serves as a reminder of the power of collective efforts and the importance of nurturing passions that can lead to positive societal changes[^1].
For those seeking support on topics related to the article or the charity supported by DUCFS, resources are available at CALM’s website and through Samaritans’ helpline[^1].
Suggested Reading:
[https://www.palatinate.org.uk/ducfs-2024-the-forces-behind-europes-largest-student-led-fundraiser/](https://www.palatinate.org.uk/ducfs-2024-the-forces-behind-europes-largest-student-led-fundraiser/)
