Druids Heath Fashion Week takes place 2-5 May 2025 celebrating community, sustainability and the power of DIY creativity. Rooted in the area’s rich history of activism, youth movements and underground fashion, this inspiring event will bring together local community with designers, artists and musicians for a four day exploration of upcycled style and rebellious self-expression.
At the heart of Druids Heath Fashion Week is a fashion show on 5 May, where models will showcase a collection of upcycled garments designed and crafted by local residents. During March and April a group from the local community, ranging in age from 13 to 60, are attending Birmingham City University to learn the art of deconstruction and reinvention to create bold and sustainable pieces that will be showcased on 5 May.
Lee Lapthorne, Head of College Jewellery, Fashion and Textiles said:
“Combining the University’s passion for fashion and creativity with its mission to engage and work with communities across the city makes this project extremely special.
“To see it attract interest from young and old is particularly exciting – and I believe it will have a lasting legacy. I wish everyone taking part in the fashion show every success.”
Also on show are clothes on loan from the local community at the exhibition ‘Our Clothes for Show’. The exhibition at The Outpost, Druids Heath’s Art Centre, charts Druids Heath style since the 1970s and showcases the DIY ethos of the local community with handmade garments on show.
The event will also feature a series of hands-on workshops, including:
- a networking event – bringing together Druids Heath’s fashion enthusiasts to celebrate the area’s fashion heritage to exchange ideas and build connections
- Jewellery and badge making workshops – inspired by the punk and DIY aesthetic, attendees can craft custom accessories that embody their personal style.
- DJ workshop – a chance for young music lovers to learn the fundamentals of DJing and mixing in collaboration with Mr Wendy DJ
- Film Screening of Kneecap presented by the community cinema – The People’s Projector.
- Live music performance bycomposer Si Paton. Si Paton is an academic researching composition for improvising large ensembles within DIY and punk influenced contexts.
- Clothes Swap – encouraging sustainable fashion choices, attendees can swap pre-loved garments and discover new treasures.
Jayne Murray, artist and founder of arts organisation Place Prospectors CIC said
“What we wear has always been a powerful tool for self-expression & rebellion, connection & belonging. Druids Heath Fashion Week pays homage to the punk and DIY movements that have long shaped youth subcultures in Birmingham. The event is testament to the idea of style over fashion, leading and not following; fashion doesn’t have to be fast or disposable – it can be creative and sustainable.”
With support from Birmingham City University and Birmingham City Council Enterprise Zone Funding, Druids Heath Fashion Week is the reimagining of an annual Mayday event in the community, showcasing local talent, bringing people together and highlighting style over fashion as a way forward for sustainability.
Druids Heath Fashion Week runs 2-5 May 2025 at The Outpost Arts Centre, 9 Pound Road, B14 5SB. Tickets for the workshops and the fashion show are free but need to be booked on Eventbrite. Visit our Facebook or Instagram pages for more information:
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