Durham University Charity Fashion Show (DUCFS) is entering its 41st year, marking a long-standing student-led initiative that has core aims of inspiring societal and behavioural change through the vehicle of creative philanthropy. From its origins, DUCFS has grown to become firmly established as Europe’s largest and most profitable student fundraiser, with all funds going directly to charity.
The theme this year is ‘Welcome to Utopia’, with the goal of making a tangible difference in its local community.
A unique partnership proposition
Central to DUCFS’ success is its partnerships with global and local organisations to form meaningful and mutually beneficial affiliations. Past partners have included brands such as PepsiCo, Red Bull, HSBC, and Jigsaw, with many companies returning year-on-year.
DUCFS is uniquely positioned. It commands significant student interest for those hoping to gain experience into the world of fashion, from modelling through to back-stage. Over 4000 people attend the show, on top of 3,000+ livestream viewers. There’s also DUCFS’ 15,000+ followers across social media.
With this powerful platform at its fingertips, DUCFS can offer potential partners opportunities to connect and build awareness with the up-and-coming Gen Z population. By providing access to Durham’s sought after students, partners can also create recruitment opportunities with high calibre future employees.
What’s on offer?
DUCFS welcomes enquiries for any collaboration proposals, to ensure that it continues to maintain and expand its philanthropic reach. It is keen however to establish some specific partnerships:
- Press partnerships – to assist with promotion, and continuing success and growth, DUCFS can offer a range of press opportunities and support, from fashion show night reviews, to offering profiles on this year’s campaign, the society, and its charitable aims. The society can also arrange for interviews with members of the student executive team or models for exclusive content.
- Alumni partnerships – in recognition of its long-standing tenure as a student society, DUCFS invites contact from alumni. If any members of our alumni community feel that a partnership with the society would appeal to their employer or business, DUCFS would be interested in hearing from you. Alternatively, if you have been involved in the fashion show previously and would like to rekindle your connection, to share memories, or perhaps to explore other avenues for getting involved, please do get in touch.
- Local outreach partnerships – DUCFS runs a local outreach platform, Launchpad, across music, community and the creative arts, to reflect its ethos. This initiative focuses on igniting change throughout North East England and contributing to combating challenges facing the local community. It’s delivered in collaboration with charity partners RTProjects and Durham City of Sanctuary. This year also sees Launchpad set in motion its ‘DJ School Project’ set up by Durham graduates to offer young people opportunities to try DJing. DUCFS warmly invites local partnership proposals, and also welcomes offers of volunteering assistance.
The partnership strategies on offer from DUCFS are flexible and can be tailored to individual company needs and preferences. There are many opportunities over the course of the year to reach large numbers of Durham students, and could include recruitment and networking events, branded stands at food and drinks receptions, and product placement, to name a few items.
About DUCFS
Operating across a year-long campaign, DUCFS has raised approximately £1 million over the past five years. It’s a large-scale undertaking which is set to culminate in a fantastic four-night fashion show in February 2025. But while the fashion show has become one of the most influential events in the student calendar, it’s not all about this final performance.
DUCFS seeks to highlight and celebrate student creativity, and hosts a number of other events throughout the academic year to this end, including art showcases, discussion panels, networking events, student recruitment and social events.
Throughout the entire campaign, DUCFS strives to showcase the meaningful impact Durham students can have. All funds raised go directly to charity and this year’s campaign will support the vital work of leading UK cancer care charity MacMillan, both through proceeds and by giving exposure through marketing.
Last year’s campaign raised £230,000 for Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM). This successfully funded two additional phone helplines, allowing over 19,547 more (potentially lifesaving) phone calls to be answered. DUCFS was also able to fund an educational campaign in the North East of England about the risk of suicide and how to seek support.
Find out more
- Contact the our partnerships team
- Find out more about partnering with us
- Read more about our North East England based Launchpad initiative
