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- Tasks: Design innovative, sustainable fashion pieces for a runway show at Blenheim Palace.
- Company: Join Cherwell Collective, a female-run, award-winning community not-for-profit.
- Benefits: Gain exposure through press coverage and collaboration opportunities with larger organisations.
- Why this job: Showcase your creativity while promoting climate action and social equity.
- Qualifications: Passion for sustainable fashion and ties to Oxfordshire are essential.
- Other info: Participate in a dynamic event that highlights ethical fashion practices.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
About Cherwell Collective
Cherwell Collective is a multi-award winning, female-run, grassroots community not-for-profit collective that reduces loneliness and promotes social equity and well-being through climate action. Cherwell Collective’s projects build sustainable local systems and drive community connection by making sure everyone can be involved in climate action. Our accessible services are offered pay-what-you-can and provide education and solutions for reducing carbon footprints through food and non-food waste reduction and consumption. We reduce the carbon footprint of the community through creating infrastructure for a circular economy and tackle the problem of food, household, textile, plastic, and other waste through distribution and innovation.
Impact and Reach
- 415,000 online audience in 2025
- 20,600 car miles of emissions saved in fashion show innovations
- 364 community members are involved in runway shows
Requirements
We are looking to feature Oxfordshire textile designers who have exciting approaches to rethinking the status quo of fashion. Our past shows have featured a mixture of experienced and young designers. We welcome all passionate sustainable designers to submit an application. We aim to feature local designers, meaning designers from, living in, or with ties to Oxfordshire or the areas surrounding Blenheim Palace. You can tell us about your local connection in your application. This year our show will prioritise innovation. We are seeking designers who use unconventional fabrics, materials, or methods to make their designs sustainable.
Here are some examples of innovation that we loved from last year’s show:
- Emily Martinez’s collection, Biophoria, was a 100% compostable collection, even down to the threads, clasps, and closures! She used agar fabrics, and incredible methods like shibori fabric manipulation to make her final product.
- Rocqu crafted a line made from thousands of fallen leaves that were individually preserved hand-stitched to create an incredible ‘leather’ that is kind to the planet.
- WISH’s designs by Molliemae Cox included pieces made from unsold supermarket flowers that were dried and repurposed into a show-stopping headpiece and dress, and a wedding dress made of plastic bags from shipping crates, among other things.
Compensation
Selected designers will have the opportunity to debut their sustainable designs on the Blenheim Palace runway for Sustainable Fashion Week. In addition to runway show participation, the designers will also be offered use of Cherwell Collective’s selected models and logistical oversight by Cherwell Collective for fittings and fashion show trainings and organisation. Participants will also receive press coverage including dedicated designer highlight posts on our company social media accounts, a feature on our event listing, and other potential media opportunities including press coverage, interviews, and collaborations to design a line with larger organisations if desired.
About the Sustainable Fashion Show
As the crowning event for the Oxford Hub’s Sustainable Fashion Week, the Sustainable Fashion Show underscores Cherwell Collective’s leadership in promoting ethical and circular fashion. As part of their ethos and mission, Cherwell Collective, CIC empowers the community to make daily choices to increase not only their own well-being, but also that of the Earth. The Sustainable Fashion Show is part of a growing series of events which directly follow London Fashion Week and highlight sustainable practices in clothing, accessories, and consumer habits. The Orangery is set within the grounds of the historic Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site and thus the perfect space to showcase the range of collections designed by over 10 local sustainable designers.
The 2025 show featured submissions from designers in local organisations like Oxfam, Activate Learning, and The Ballroom Emporium, and featured textiles that are re-imagined, including retired uniforms from Blenheim Palace as well as Oxford United Football Club. The show also debuted exclusive views of stunning innovations using non-textiles, including biodegradable materials, plastic waste, and more. The Sustainable Fashion Show forms part of Cherwell Collective’s Carbon Cost of Fashion campaign, developed by the Collective’s Waste Innovation Station HQ (WISH) project. WISH aims to raise awareness around the climate consequences of clothing production and consumption.
Deadlines
Please review these fashion show deadlines to make sure you can commit to them before applying. If you are selected we will remind you about these moving forward.
- Designer applications close on: Friday, 6 March 2026, at 5:00 PM.
- March 2026 designers selected
- April 2026 all designers receive model selection slide deck
- Beginning of May progress and quality check-in on designs
- Mid May designers' model selection due
- June (optional) designers submit a 'designer highlight' video that Cherwell Collective will use to promote you
- July Designs are completed, first fitting with models and photoshoot for marketing
- Beginning August Last fitting
- Late August Final mood board due for showing models' clothing, accessories, makeup and hair
- Late August Designers' music selection for catwalk is due
- Late August Running order of the catwalk is released to designers
About Your Application
To apply you must submit sketches of your runway looks. Please take the necessary time to prepare this application. Only designers with ties to Oxfordshire will be accepted. Designers may participate free of charge, but are expected to donate one runway design to Cherwell Collective's sustainable fashion auction in return. We are seeking unique and individual designs that have not walked in any other show. If you are selected please note that we will require regular updates on the progress of your work.
Sustainable Fashion Designer in Woodstock employer: Cherwell Collective, CIC
Contact Detail:
Cherwell Collective, CIC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sustainable Fashion Designer in Woodstock
✨Tip Number 1
Get your portfolio sorted! Make sure it showcases your best sustainable designs and innovative techniques. We want to see your creativity shine, so include sketches, photos, and any unique materials you've used.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend local events or workshops related to sustainable fashion. Connect with other designers and industry folks; you never know who might help you land that dream spot at the show!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to talk about your local connection! Cherwell Collective loves to see designers who are tied to Oxfordshire. Share your story and how your designs reflect the community's values in sustainability.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to get your application in front of us. Don’t forget to highlight your innovative approaches and how you’re rethinking fashion – we’re all about that fresh perspective!
We think you need these skills to ace Sustainable Fashion Designer in Woodstock
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Local Connection: Make sure to highlight your ties to Oxfordshire in your application. We want to see how you connect with the community and why you're passionate about sustainable fashion in this area.
Be Innovative: We’re on the lookout for fresh ideas! When you submit your sketches, think outside the box and showcase unconventional materials or methods that make your designs stand out. Show us what makes your approach unique!
Take Your Time with Sketches: Don’t rush your sketches! This is your chance to impress us with your creativity and vision. Spend time refining your designs to ensure they reflect your style and commitment to sustainability.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of all the amazing talent out there. We can’t wait to see what you’ve got!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cherwell Collective, CIC
✨Know Your Sustainable Fashion
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and innovations in sustainable fashion. Research Cherwell Collective’s past shows and the designers they’ve featured. This will help you align your vision with theirs and show that you’re genuinely interested in their mission.
✨Showcase Your Unique Approach
Prepare to discuss your design philosophy and how it contributes to sustainability. Bring sketches or samples of your work that highlight your innovative use of materials or techniques. This is your chance to shine, so make sure your passion for sustainable fashion comes through!
✨Connect Locally
Since Cherwell Collective prioritises local designers, be ready to share your connection to Oxfordshire. Whether you live there, have ties to the community, or have been inspired by the area, make it personal. This will demonstrate your commitment to the local ethos they value.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle challenges in sustainable design, such as sourcing materials or managing waste. Think through your answers ahead of time, focusing on practical solutions and your creative problem-solving skills. This will show that you’re not just a dreamer but also a doer!