I don’t know about you, but when a freelance journalist calls and asks if you’re free to photograph a fashion show at Blenheim Palace, you say yes before they can even finish the sentence. Who could resist? Not only is Blenheim Palace a stunning venue, but the event also had a fantastic cause at its heart: sustainable fashion.
The event was hosted in the Orangery, a truly elegant space steeped in history, with sunlight streaming through those enormous windows. It’s one of those places that almost makes you feel like you're part of a period drama, except instead of tea and scandal, we were there for ethical couture.
More than 20 local designers were showcasing their collections, all with a focus on sustainability. I arrived with my gear, ready to capture the magic. And magic there was! The collections were dazzling; from bold, avant-garde pieces to understated, timeless classics, and every item had a story to tell. These designers are creating fashion with purpose, considering the environmental and social impact of their work at every stitch.
One of the highlights of the day was Oxfam’s involvement, bringing attention to their Second Hand September campaign. If you’ve not heard of it, the campaign encourages people to avoid buying new clothes for a month, raising awareness of how second-hand and preloved clothing can be a stylish alternative to fast fashion. And let me tell you, the outfits Oxfam pulled together could have easily walked off any London runway. It was a brilliant reminder that fashion doesn’t need to be brand new to be breath-taking.
As the day progressed, I had the chance to chat with several of the designers, and I was completely in awe of their passion for sustainability. One designer explained how she sources her fabrics from leftover stock that would otherwise be thrown away, transforming what was once waste into wearable art. Another talked about the painstaking process of hand-dyeing garments with natural dyes – no chemical shortcuts here. There’s something really special about meeting the people behind the pieces, hearing their stories and seeing first-hand the creativity and care that goes into each collection.
Photographing the models as they glided down the runway in these gorgeous, eco-conscious designs felt like more than just work. I felt like I was capturing a moment of change, a shift in the way we think about fashion and its impact on the planet. It’s not often that you walk away from a job feeling inspired, but this was one of those days.
By the end of the event, the Orangery was buzzing with excitement. The combination of beautiful clothing, passionate designers, and an important cause made for a truly unforgettable day. I’m so glad I could be a part of it, and even more thrilled that I was there to document it all through my lens.
All in all, it was a day that showcased the future of fashion – and it’s looking green, conscious, and incredibly stylish. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more events like this, where creativity and sustainability walk hand in hand down the runway.