Birmingham’s vibrant creative scene is set to come alive in spectacular fashion later this month with the much-anticipated ‘1000 Threads’ fashion show. Organised by Birmingham City University, this dazzling event on Tuesday, 18 June, promises to be a celebration of student ingenuity and passion, reaffirming that the city’s creative heart is beating stronger than ever.
‘1000 Threads’ will take place on Oozells Square, Brindleyplace on 18 June
“This is the kind of event that Birmingham has been crying out for,” declares BCU Vice-Chancellor Professor David Mba. “For too long, the city’s creative scene has been hamstrung by the travails of the City Council and by fears surrounding funding and investment. We see ‘1000 Threads’ as a positive reaction against this climate of negativity. The talent of our arts and design students points the way to an exciting future, while the potential for greater industry collaboration across the city indicates that the present is pretty bright, too.”
Lee Lapthorne, Head of Jewellery, Fashion and Textiles at BCU, said the event was part of the University’s commitment to offering graduates professional showcasing opportunities, alongside its ambitions to connect to the city and its communities. He added: “It also celebrates the creativity of our students, who are truly representative of a broad range of cultural backgrounds that mirror Birmingham’s diverse community.”
A Collaborative Effort
Matt Long, Senior Asset Manager for Praxis, which owns Brindleyplace, highlights the significance of the location: “Brindleyplace starts and ends with community – and we are proud to host the inaugural BCU Fashion Show. We are looking forward to welcoming students, their families, BCU staff, stakeholders, and local businesses, and to building enduring relationships with each other and the wider Birmingham business, leisure, and charitable communities.”
An Evening of Style and Celebration
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Oozells Square in Brindleyplace, the event will commence with a VIP reception at the internationally acclaimed Ikon Gallery, before moving to the main attraction—a graduate fashion show featuring 30 models showcasing creations from 11 emerging designers. Hosted by BBC presenter and podcaster Natalie Graham, this inaugural event promises a feast for the eyes and a celebration of the city’s burgeoning creative talent.
The evening will not only feature high fashion but also a rich tapestry of entertainment. The Bond Street Singers, a unique collaboration between Jim ‘Shaft’ Ryan, Miss Moneypenny’s founding DJ and producer, and Shereece Storrod, artistic director of Black Voices, Europe’s finest female a cappella quintet, will perform, adding a harmonious touch to the event. Additionally, students from the Elmhurst Ballet School will grace the stage in costumes designed by BCU fashion students, merging the worlds of dance and fashion in a stunning visual display.
Showcasing Emerging Talent
Following the runway show, guests will have the opportunity to view an exhibition of student jewellery and fashion at the award-winning X, one of the UK’s most technologically advanced office buildings. This exhibition, running from 17 to 21 June, is open to the public daily from 2 pm to 3 pm, offering a closer look at the innovative works of BCU’s brightest talents.
Nick White, Director at CBRE which owns X, added: “We are delighted to collaborate with Birmingham City University and support this event. “We’re excited about the creative installation at X, 10 Brindleyplace. This event aligns perfectly with our commitment to sustainability, technology and wellness, which are at the heart of the development, Birmingham’s largest award-winning office refurbishment scheme.”
The after-show reception at X, sponsored by the Indo-Persian restaurant Qavali, will feature a set by DJ Altasoph, ensuring the evening ends on a high note.
Sahar Rezazadeh, from Qavali, added: “We’re delighted to support BCU and the brilliant fashion talent in our city. Thank you to BCU and all their students for the excellent work you do to place the city on the map in the creative and commercial space.”
A City-Wide Creative Initiative
The ‘1000 Threads’ show is part of Birmingham’s ‘100 Days of Creativity,’ a city-wide programme of artistic events running until 26 August. Alex Nicholson-Evans, Birmingham’s first City Curator, expressed her excitement: “I am thrilled 1000 Threads is part of the 100 Days of Creativity. Fashion is such an important part of expressing creativity. It’s fantastic that this event is celebrating emerging creatives, too, and in such an iconic Birmingham location. I can’t wait to see the show.”
Andrew Riley, founder and editor of STYLE Birmingham and a key member of the organising team, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Our aims are to connect the community, celebrate young creativity, and provide inspiration to the city and beyond. It’s an incredible opportunity to showcase talent and innovation, and it’s a hugely positive concept that will bring the community together in a meaningful way.”
Join the Celebration
With a blend of cutting-edge fashion, innovative student work, and lively entertainment, ‘1000 Threads’ promises to be a landmark event in Birmingham’s cultural calendar.
Taking place on Oozells Square, Brindleyplace on 18 June.
The graduate fashion show in Oozells Square runs from 6.30-7.30pm and is open to the public and free to attend.
The student exhibition in X runs from 17-21 June and is open to the public, 2pm to 3pm daily.
