Taking place at The Rose Bowl Atrium on 16-17 March 2026, the International Circular Fashion Week Conference and a student-led Oxfam Pop-Up will run side by side, creating a dynamic programme of talks, exhibitions, workshops, live performance and retail experiences. Organised collaboratively by Circular Fashion Incubator CIC and students from across the university - including fashion, marketing, music and creative disciplines - the event showcases how education, enterprise and activism can come together to reshape the future of fashion. Day One: International Circular Fashion Week Conference Monday 16 March 2026 | The Rose Bowl Day one centres on the International Circular Fashion Week Conference - a global platform exploring sustainability, innovation and cultural storytelling in fashion. The 2026 edition highlights: Cultural heritage and folklore Traditional craft and repair Upcycling and circular design Bold contemporary expression The conference opens with a keynote from Professor Natascha Radcliffe-Thomas of Ravensbourne University London, examining the myths and realities of circular fashion. Dress historian Phillip Warren, Chair of The Costume Society, will explore The Foundations of Fashion, alongside international speakers from Italy, Pakistan and India. A centrepiece of the day is The Corset Revival Project, a global creative initiative led by Circular Fashion Incubator CIC and Dr Esther Pugh of Leeds Beckett University. The project has rescued 150 corsets from landfill and challenged designers worldwide to transform them using only discarded and reclaimed materials. The reimagined works will be unveiled in a live fashion show and exhibition, with awards presented during the conference. Selected designs will later tour internationally, including an appearance at Global Sustainable Fashion Week Budapest. Day one also features: Sing the Thread, Move the Memory - a live cultural performance blending music, movement and craft A sustainable dye innovation demonstration Panel discussion on communicating and selling handmade and upcycled fashion A handmade market featuring independent craft fashion, jewellery and accessories Networking and a closing drinks reception To attend day one in the Knowledge Exchange spaces are limited so you will need to book, but tickets are free to LBU staff and students: International Circular Fashion Week Conference 2026 Tickets, Monday 16 March at 09:00 to Tuesday 17 March at 19:00, Eventbrite Day Two: Oxfam Pop-Up and Conference Programme Tuesday 17 March 2026 | 10:00-16:00 On Day two, the conference continues alongside a vibrant Oxfam Pop-Up Shop, curated and delivered by Leeds Beckett students in collaboration with Oxfam. Running throughout the day, the pop-up will offer preloved clothing, accessories, books and music, supported by live music and a DJ. Students will create a full retail experience including styled rails, serviced fitting rooms, a living feedback wall, donation station and interactive social media activations. In the Knowledge Exchange, a series of 'Sustainable Fashion TED Talks' led by Student Services will explore sustainable fashion from diverse perspectives, including: 10am-12pm TED Talks by Student Services in the Knowledge Exchange 10:00 Wellbeing: Gareth Cavill. Feel Good, Look Good, Do good 10:25 Disability and Inclusion: Amy Hambrook 10:50 Global Village: Moira Lundi Samson. Preloved Across Borders: What Global Cultures Teach Us About Sustainable Fashion 11:15 Student Money: Ben Turney-Chastney. Is Sustainable Fashion Affordable Fashion 11:40 Jobs and Careers: Ben Robertson - Wear Your Values: Building a Sustainable Career That Actually Fits Book for free online Hands-on Denim Upcycling and Personalisation Workshops, facilitated by fashion students, will invite participants to repair, embroider and customise garments using donated or personal items - bringing circular principles to life. Research into consumer behaviour will also take place during the event in partnership with the Retail Institute, adding an academic dimension to the live retail environment. A movement, not just an event Dr Esther Pugh said: "Experience fashion like never before! Our multi-sensory circular fashion event is designed to immerse you in every stitch, story and sound. Discover the movement, engage your senses and be part of the change. See you there!" Andrea Benahmed Djilali of Circular Fashion Incubator CIC added: "Each corset is a canvas for reimagining what fashion can mean in today's world, and we are so excited to see the many diverse approaches of all our creatives." Together, the International Circular Fashion Week Conference and the Oxfam Pop-Up demonstrate how circular fashion connects heritage craft, global dialogue, student enterprise and social impact - all within one collaborative, two-day programme. Staff and students passionate about sustainability, heritage, creativity and circular innovation are warmly invited to attend, collaborate or support the movement. Event Details Date: 16-17 March 2026 Location: Rose Bowl Atrium, City Campus, Leeds Beckett University For more information on day one, please email info@circularfashionincubator.com For more information on day two, please email e.pugh@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
As part of the collaboration, second-year BA (Hons) Product Design students have been briefed to design an original piece of furniture tailored to a Redbrick customer. The winning design will be produced by manufacturing partner Vale Bridgecraft and unveiled at Redbrick in February 2026, with the potential for a full route to market. The project began with an immersive visit to the Redbrick complex, which houses major brands including Heal's, Oka, BoConcept, Roche Bobois and Loaf. The experience offered students a real-world insight into contemporary furniture retail and helped spark ideas grounded in innovation, quality and user experience. Students presented their early concepts to industry professionals from Redbrick and Zofa, a contemporary furniture retailer based within the destination. Following expert critique, eight concepts were shortlisted, and students worked in pairs to refine their proposals for potential manufacture. A subsequent visit to Vale Bridgecraft in Hebden Bridge gave students hands-on experience of production processes. Working alongside the in-house product designer, they explored materials, craftsmanship, budgeting and routes to market, gaining a deeper understanding of what it takes to turn a concept into a commercial product. A panel of judges will select one final design for manufacture in early 2026, with the finished piece showcased at Redbrick shortly afterwards. Robin Brinkworth, Senior Lecturer of Design at Leeds Beckett University, highlighted the value of the project for student development. He said: "The second year of the BA (Hons) Product Design programme has a focus on building professional practice skills to prepare students for work in the creative industry. This wouldn't be possible without the generosity of our partners. Study visits, feedback from professionals and opportunities to develop design work for manufacture within established furniture production environments all add richness to the learning experience of our students." Alastair Bailey, Managing Director at Redbrick, emphasised the company's commitment to nurturing new talent. He said: "Redbrick has always been passionate about design-led retail experiences and supporting emerging, young talent. This project is a pivotal examples of how we can help young designers turn their ideas and concepts into tangible, viable products." John Hampton, Operator at Zofa, added: "This partnership with Leeds Beckett University and Redbrick represents supporting young designers as they bring their ideas to life - it's not only rewarding but essential to the future of British furniture design and craftsmanship." Find out more about BA (Hons) Product Design at Leeds School of Arts
Ella, a second-year student on the BA (Hons) Graphic Design course at Leeds Beckett University's Leeds School of Arts was one of many designers who answered a very specific brief for Penguin's annual competition. Often the competition involves redesigning a single book cover but this year, with the publisher celebrating its 90th birthday, it tasked creatives with creating a new, flexible design system for paperbacks. Not only that, but they also had to tap into Penguin's core design spirit of 'bold, distinctive and mass market'. The judges were Richard Bravery - Art Director at Penguin General, and Jim Stoddart - Art Director at Penguin Press, and they wanted to see entries that remained cohesive while straddling genres, as well as ideas that fitted with today's ways of consuming books. Richard said about Ella's winning entry: "I really appreciated the way that [the design] looked at how we consume content rather than this very structured way that we maybe see books. This instantly appealed to me in that it felt like it was speaking to the way we consume content in a modern way." Ella said of her work, which was showcased in Creative Review: "The coloured stripes reference Penguin's 1985 colour-coding system, updated to a contemporary palette that works for both print and digital marketing. Challenging traditional cover conventions, I chose to incorporate the genre onto the cover, ensuring readers can instantly identify the book's subject, no matter where they see it." Ella's prize includes a Wacom Intuos Pro Tablet, 100 of Penguin Random House Design Books and a six-month mentorship with a Penguin Art Director. Reflecting on her win and what it means to her, Ella said: "Penguin publishing has this amazing history, with a plethora of incredible designers who have curated covers. Everyone knows Penguin books and I put a lot of work into the design, so it's rewarding to have my work recognised. I hope to gain valuable industry insight in an internationally recognised publishing house which otherwise might not have been available to me. I came from a fine art background and knew very little about design in my first year. My course at Leeds Beckett taught me to pay attention to details I would otherwise have neglected and to see designing as a system." Find out more about Leeds School of Arts.
Ellie Herrick, a second year BA Product Design student at LBUs Leeds School of Arts, took part in Challenge Week, a creative competition launched by Beckett Careers in partnership with LEEDS 2023, which led to her winning the creative brief. Her design went on a collection of limited-edition tote bags which can be purchased at the LEEDS 2023 store in Trinity Leeds. The tote bag design is the latest example of the partnership between the university and LEEDS 2023, and the excellent student opportunities it has created. Shortly after her success in Challenge Week, Ellie went on to work as an intern at LEEDS 2023 over the summer, in the marketing and communications team. Ellie said: Winning the competition was so exciting, from finding out I won with my sister by my side, to watching the bag come into fruition. I also completed a summer internship with LEEDS 2023 and loved every second. It was very fulfilling working in a welcoming environment which has increased my confidence and inspiration for the arts. This experience drove my passion for my small business called Ellies Critters, where I create jewellery and accessories. My experience studying Product Design at LBU has taught me many useful skills I was able to use for the tote bag brief. Nicola Porter, Experiential Learning Team Leader at Leeds Beckett University, said: Ellie has done such a good job winning Challenge Week, our pilot scheme from Beckett Careers. This is a testament to her creativity and one of the many ways that students can get involved with Beckett Careers, getting a lot of experience in a short space of time. Niamh Byrne, Head of Placements and Student Opportunity at LEEDS 2023, said: Ellie has been an absolutely fantastic student to join in with our competitions and programmes. Its been fantastic to have her involved in multiple aspects of LEEDS 2023, as part of Leeds Beckett, one of our cultural partners. Leeds Beckett University is a Principal Education Partner of LEEDS 2023, playing an active role in celebrating the arts and culture scene in the city. Over 250 students from Leeds Beckett University have so far taken part in opportunities with LEEDS 2023, including volunteering, placements, internships, and freelancing. To find out more about getting involved in the yearlong celebration of culture, please visit our website. To find out more about placement and work experience opportunities with Beckett Careers, please visit the student information pages.
The RSA Student Design Awards are a global competition encouraging students to use their creativity and skills to tackle current social and environmental challenges. This years brief ranged from empowering communities, to creating better building solutions. Satch Kulangaras project, ShellStyles, won the award in the Building Better category. The design uses eggshell waste to create building tiles designed to replace traditional ceramic tiles. Satch said: I am incredibly proud and honoured to win this award, which is the culmination of three years of hard work at Leeds Beckett University. I believe this achievement is a great start to my journey as a life-centred designer. I am immensely grateful to my tutors who have played a significant role in shaping me into the designer I am today. Their guidance, expertise, and unwavering support have been crucial to my personal and professional growth. Reuben Riddioughs project, Solar-Charged Communities, was Highly Commended for the Powering People category. His design involves a portable charging system and service for community centre users to help raise awareness and participation of renewable energy transitions in the cost-of-living crisis. Reuben said: Im delighted that my project has been recognised at the RSA Student Design Awards. To be shortlisted, and then win alongside my course mate, Satch, and many other great student designers, is a very proud and exciting moment for me. For the past three years at Leeds Beckett, I have tried to take on every opportunity that came my way. Alongside the RSA competition, I also had the chance to work with the LEEDS 2023 Year of Culture to deliver product design workshops to people in the city. My university experience has developed my knowledge and skills and encouraged me to follow my goal to work as an industrial designer. Lauren Moriarty, Course Director for BA Product Design at Leeds Beckett Universitys Leeds School of Arts, said: We are immensely proud of Satch and Reuben for this fantastic achievement. They have both worked incredibly hard and produced high quality, socially and environmentally responsible design work in response to the RSA briefs. We wish them the best of luck building careers in the design industry going forward. The RSA Student Design Awards offer successful students a free, one-year fellowship and the chance to join the Society, meet and work with key names in the industry, and access resources and events to help develop their careers. The BA (Hons) Product Design course at Leeds School of Arts registered a 100% student satisfaction rate and offers exciting opportunities for placement and work experience within Leedss thriving creative sector. To find out more about studying Product Design at Leeds Beckett University, visit our website.
Appointed as the Strauch Visiting Critic for Sustainable Design, Ian will lead a design studio focused on sustainable design during the Fall 2023 semester. The Strauch Visiting Critic was founded by Hans and Roger Strauch to 'ensure that Cornell Architecture students and faculty are supported in their efforts to advance research and innovate design solutions associated with consequences of global climate change.' Ian was recently awarded his PhD in the School of Built Environment and Engineering, with his research focusing mainly on utilising agricultural, construction and demolition waste streams for developing bio-based building materials. I am excited to be appointedthe Strauch Visiting Critic in Sustainable Design in the Department of Architecture at Cornell University, Ian explains. I am particularly looking forward to engaging in conversations around the future of sustainability in architecture with the next generation of designers at Cornell University. I am particularly keen to see how students interpret sustainability in architectural education and what tangible actions, outputs and lines of enquiry that can be carried forward, for both me and the students. It is important to share this dialogue around sustainability both internationally and intergenerationally to promote the development of a sustainable future for all in a changing climate. Ian is also interested in theoretical and practical urban scale ideas, which can help post-industrial cities transition towards self-sufficiency. He has previously worked in architectural practice in Trinidad Tobago, taught at Azrieli School of Architecture Urbanism in Canada and at the Birmingham School of Architecture before continuing his study at Leeds Beckett University.
SQUISH: TRASH: COSMETIC presented a deconstructed idea of a lecture that surprised over 100 people from Leeds and beyond in the process. Professor Matty Bovan transformed himself and the space at Leeds School of Arts while the public asked him questions about his life, inspirations, and working with students at Leeds Beckett University. SQUISH: TRASH: COSMETIC is part of the Leeds School of Arts dedicated fashion season, which will culminate in a graduate runway show on Thursday 1 June in the new Leeds School of Arts theatre. The show will present the Fashion class of 2023s final collections. Professor Matty Bovan said: This event is an ode to colour, and my colour theory comes from my childhood toys in the 90s. Neon pink is my favourite and comes from my love of Barbie. Talking about working with students at Leeds Beckett, Matty commented: Its a privilege to talk to young people about their ideas and I learn so much from them. Its all about showcasing that Leeds has all this talent and that we were putting a dynamic fashion course in the city. People are energised and excited about young peoples work in fashion. Born and based in York, Professor Matty Bovan is known in the world of fashion for his elevation of craft in Britain and his commitment to sustainability and upcycling. He is dedicated to a sustainable ethos employing a small network of British manufacturers and local craftspeople in York. He has worked with various brands, including British Airways, Coach NY, Gina, Miu Miu, Stephen Jones Millinery, Liberty London, and Barbie, and his work is worn by a loyal fan base, including Adwoa Aboah, Naomi Campbell, Björk, Rita Ora, Shirley Manson, Georgia May Jagger, Winnie Harlow, and Tilda Swinton. In February 2023, he showcased his Autumn/Winter 2023 Collection with a presentation at London Fashion Week. In September 2022, he presented his Spring/Summer 2022 Collection with a show at Milan Fashion Week which was supported by DolceGabbana. He was awarded the prestigious International Woolmark Prize and the Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation in 2021, becoming only the second designer to win both awards in the same year. Professor Matty Bovan joined Leeds Beckett Universitys Leeds School of Arts in 2018 and continues to make a huge contribution to the rich cultural scene in Leeds and the wider region. This event is part of Leeds Beckett University's Inaugural Professorial Lecture Series and is running during LEEDS 2023's Season Two: Playing showcase.
RUN is a fashion-first for the city, offering an exciting line-up of events overseen by Leeds Beckett University Professor of Fashion and internationally acclaimed Yorkshire designer, Matty Bovan. The line-up starts with an unmissable photoshoot takeover of Trinity Leeds, in the heart of the city centre, which will debut the graduate collections of Leeds Beckett Universitys Fashion Class of 2023, inviting the public as spectators in an immersive experience. The events run as part of LEEDS 2023s Awakening and Playing showcases. An open casting call for models in Leeds gathered a diverse group of people to Leeds School of Arts earlier this month, where fashion academics, including Professor Matty Bovan, made the final selection. The models who were chosen will present the Class of 2023s collections at the photoshoot on 4 April and at the catwalk show on 1 June. In choosing the models, a pledge for inclusivity was made, to reflect the work ethics and curriculum element prioritising diversity, which the students and academics abide by in their work. The cast of models reflects this commitment, with people from a range of gender identities, sizes and ethnic backgrounds presenting at the events. A group of 15 models have been chosen by the fashion panel, with five women, four men, three non-binary, and three size 14-16 models. Of the 15 models, five are people of colour. Sam Hudson-Miles, Course Director for Fashion at Leeds Beckett University, said: We made the decision not to use a professional model agency and, instead, to cast the models ourselves, as we wanted to celebrate the diversity, and beauty, of real people in Leeds. This aligns with the LEEDS 2023 mission statement. As educators, we are finding that, year-on-year more of our Fashion students are approaching their fashion design thinking from a default non-binary perspective. The use of non-binary models gives an inclusive aesthetic to collections that have been designed specifically as womenswear or menswear collections. Students are also keen to represent real body shapes, hence our casting of dress size 14-16 models, as this is now the UK standard. One student has designed her collection specifically for this body shape. We cant wait to see the images from the shoot! The casting day was great, we had a fantastic turnout from a diverse range of models, in terms of ethnicity, gender, and body shape which is exactly what we wanted. We hope people in Leeds are just as excited for the events as we are. We look forward to seeing a big turnout! The countdown is on for the first event of the RUN fashion programme. Everyone in the city and wider region is invited to the photoshoot takeover at Trinity Leeds on Tuesday 4 April, between 9:00-18:00. For more information, please visit our website.
Matty Bovan, Professor of Fashion at Leeds Becketts Leeds School of Arts, is known for his innovative designs, the newest of which he will present at Milan Fashion Week with the help of DolceGabbana. In a statement of support towards the rising Yorkshire designer, DolceGabbana announced they would supply fabrics and materials for Matty Bovans latest collection, as well as support his debut on the catwalk. Professor Matty Bovan said: I am so excited to announce that I will be showing my next collection in Milan supported by DolceGabbana. Craft and handiwork are at the heart of my work, something that myself and this iconic maison have great affinity with; the synergy upon meeting Domenico and Stefano recently was palpable. Sam Hudson-Miles, Course Director for BA (Hons) Fashion at Leeds Beckett Universitys Leeds School of Arts said: We are very fortunate to have Mattys creative and industry-facing experience to draw upon as he is one of the most exciting fashion designers of the moment. Despite becoming an internationally recognised designer, Matty has chosen to remain in Yorkshire and work at Leeds Beckett University alongside his international design projects and collaborations. This is a testament to keeping Northern talent in the North and demonstrates that it isnt necessary to be situated in London to make it. Mattys work was awarded the International Woolmark Prize and the Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation in Fashion last year, and continues to make a huge contribution to the rich cultural scene in Leeds and the wider region. The rising success of Matty Bovans designs comes as the final countdown to the launch of Leeds 2023 begins at the end of this week. Leeds 2023 will embark on a year-long celebration of culture in the city, with Leeds Beckett University supporting the initiative as a principal education partner of Leeds 2023.