Students from Birmingham City University (BCU) showcased their diverse and unique collections last night at an open-air fashion show in the heart of Birmingham.
The ‘BCU Presents: 1000 Threads’ fashion show, hosted by BBC presenter and journalist, Kathryn Stanczyszyn, took place in a surprisingly sunny Oozells Square at Brindleyplace. The crowd, which was made up of key people from the region’s fashion, design and creative industries and members of the public, were dazzled by the 30 pieces showcased on the runway all designed by 10 talented BCU students.
The catwalk was preceded by a VIP reception for invited guests at the Ikon Gallery and followed by a private viewing of an exhibition of pieces from this year’s students. VIPs were then treated to an exclusive after-party, sponsored by Brockmans Gin, which included a live DJ set from Pussycat Dolls star, Kimberly Wyatt. Food and drinks were also provided by Brindleyplace venues, Rudy’s Pizza and Lulu Wild.
‘BCU Presents: 1000 Threads’ forms a central part of the University’s Inspired Festival, which takes place throughout June. The festival showcases the work of the University’s Faculty of Arts, Design and Media through various events.
The fashion show provided fashion graduates and students from the School of Jewellery with the opportunity to showcase pieces from their collections in the high-quality fashion show production. The event follows last week’s announcement that Birmingham had been recognised as a World Craft City by the World Craft Council.
Professor David Mba, Vice-Chancellor at BCU, said: “We had a fantastic evening celebrating our extraordinary talent at BCU Presents: 1000 Threads, the centrepiece of our Inspired Festival.
“Birmingham is an incredible city, both creative and collaborative. Only last week it achieved World Craft City status - a recognition that firmly places it in the global spotlight as a beacon of creative excellence.
“We are a youthful city with promising talent, and I applaud the efforts of everybody involved in this event.” Lee Lapthorne, Head of the College of Jewellery, Fashion and Textiles at BCU, added: “It was absolutely incredible to watch on as our students brought their designs to life on the catwalk in the middle of the city at BCU Presents: 1000 Threads.
“We really do have some exciting up and coming talent in our school, and we’re delighted to have been able to give them a platform to showcase their work to the public and representatives from across the region’s creative industry. The event was a fantastic celebration of our students’ hard work, dedication and creativity, and I look forward to seeing how they build on their success in the future.”
Matt Long, Senior Asset Manager, Praxis at Brindleyplace, commented: “We are thrilled to have supported this prestigious event once again.
“To witness Oozells Square brought to life with the vibrant creations of the students and all the stakeholders, BCU staff and numerous visitors enjoying themselves is wonderful. We look forward to many more events and many more years of partnership working with the University.”
Members of the public can see the students’ designs by visiting the ‘BCU Presents: 1000 Threads’ exhibition at 10 Brindleyplace. The exhibition is open Monday – Friday between 9am – 5pm until 27th June 2025.
