Sunderland Fashion Show Brings Fashion, Culture and Community To Keel Square

Image credit: Ade Akenroye

Editorial Brief
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The Sunderland Fashion Show transformed Keel Square into an open-air catwalk, showcasing the work of 12 designers to over 500 attendees. Supported by more than 60 volunteers, the event highlighted local talent and aimed to redefine perceptions of Sunderland as a hub for creativity. The show emphasised fashion's role in connecting communities and supporting the city's regeneration efforts.

EDITORIAL INSIGHT: Context, industry insight and market perspectives of this news story

Sunderland Fashion Show is a locally focused cultural event, and its return to Keel Square places the emphasis on public access and community participation within the city centre. By staging the catwalk in a civic square, the event gives local designers, models, performers and creative workers a platform outside conventional industry venues, while bringing fashion into one of Sunderland’s main public spaces.

For Sunderland’s creative community, the scale is defined by more than 500 attendees, 12 designers and over 60 volunteers. In a city pursuing wider regeneration across its centre, events of this kind add to cultural activity around Keel Square and create practical opportunities for people involved in fashion, performance, photography, styling and local business.

Press Release

Sunderland - Thursday, 23rd July 2026

On Saturday 18th July, Keel Square was transformed into an open-air catwalk as Sunderland Fashion Show returned for another spectacular celebration of fashion, creativity and community.

Now firmly established as one of the North East’s standout fashion events, Sunderland Fashion Show welcomed more than 500 attendees, showcased the work of 12 designers, and was delivered with the support of over 60 volunteers, demonstrating the city’s growing reputation as a destination for creative excellence.

Founded with a vision of showcasing emerging and established local talent, Sunderland Fashion Show brings together designers, models, performers, photographers, stylists, local businesses and volunteers to create an event that belongs to the city itself.

From contemporary collections to culturally inspired designs, every collection presented on the runway reflected the individuality and creativity of the city, while giving designers an opportunity to showcase their work to new audiences.

At the heart of Sunderland Fashion Show is a simple but powerful belief: fashion has the ability to connect people, and as Sunderland continues its wider programme of regeneration, Sunderland Fashion Show is helping to redefine perceptions of the city.

Speaking following this year’s event, Founder and Creative Director Ade Akenroye said:

“Sunderland Fashion Show has always been about creating opportunities for people. We want everyone involved – whether they’re a designer, model, performer, volunteer or visitor – to leave feeling inspired. Fashion has an incredible ability to bring communities together, celebrate our differences and create confidence and inspiration, and that’s exactly what this event represents.”

With growing audiences, increasing industry interest and expanding community involvement, Sunderland Fashion Show continues to establish itself as one of the North East’s most exciting fashion events, creating opportunities for local talent while putting Sunderland firmly in the region’s creative spotlight.

Notes to editors

Sunderland Fashion Show is a community-led celebration of fashion, creativity and culture, bringing together designers, models, performers, local businesses and volunteers from across the North East. Founded by DeRevelation Studios, the event provides a platform for emerging and established creatives while promoting diversity, inclusion and community collaboration through fashion. The 2026 event took place on Saturday 18 July in Keel Square, Sunderland, featuring 12 designers, over 500 attendees and more than 60 local volunteers.

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