By Samanta Gladkauskaite

Students from the University of Winchester will be running this year’s Winchester Fashion Week.

From Monday, March 17 to Friday, March 21, the fashion event will be organised by the third-year students from the fashion business and marketing course.

The event, which has a central theme of sustainable fashion, will also see first and second-year students assist in various events, many of which will be hosted on the university campus.

The highlight of the week is “Fashion Reset”, scheduled for Wednesday, March 19.

This evening event at the West Down Centre will unite industry leaders, innovators and change-makers to delve into the true meaning of sustainability in the fashion industry, covering retail, second-hand markets, beauty and more.

The fashion week will commence on March 17 with “Mindful Fashion Monday” at the West Downs Centre, where students will be challenged to “rewear, restyle and reinvent” items from their existing wardrobe.

A styling masterclass with stylist and fashion editor Donna Taylor, who has worked with brands like Burberry and Glasses Direct, will be hosted by the university’s business school on March 20.

A workshop titled “Sustainable Style, Viral Impact” will take place on March 21 at West Downs for those interested in learning the secrets of successful social media campaigning.

Marina Brkljac, programme leader and lecturer in fashion business and marketing at the University of Winchester, said: “Fashion isn’t just about style or the latest trend for us, it’s about vision, leadership and the ability to turn ideas into impact.

“At the University of Winchester, we are not simply educating students; we are preparing them to lead.

“Winchester Fashion Week is more than an event, it’s a proving ground, where our students step out of the classroom and into the industry, refining their instincts, sharpening their skills and making their mark.”

In previous years, Winchester BID (Business Improvement District) has run fashion week.

Their manager, Sarah Davis, said she was excited to be handing over the reins to the students.

She said: “With a spotlight on sustainability and business engagement, this event gives us the opportunity to showcase not just the work of the students as they prepare for the world of work, but also how city centre businesses are adapting to the challenges posed by the need for sustainable clothing.”

Three charities will benefit from fashion week – Naomi House, the Dogs Trust and Oxfam.

Source: Hampshirechronicle.co.uk