A Queen’s University fashion show is using student design to explore themes of change, identity and women’s experiences in Northern Ireland.
This year’s annual showcase, staged by the university’s Fashion Society and titled Equinox, took place at Carlisle Memorial Church and brings together student designers to present work inspired by the transition from winter into spring.
The show uses that seasonal shift to reflect what has been a difficult period for women in Northern Ireland, while pointing towards a more hopeful outlook.
“It’s been a relatively awful winter, not just weather-wise, but an awful winter for women in Northern Ireland,” said the society’s events co-ordinator Odhrán Fitzmaurice.
“Through the designs, we wanted to show a transition into something more hopeful.”
Model James Gilliland wearing a design by Sarah Sloan of Sarah Marie Design during Queen’s University Fashion Society’s show at Carlisle Memorial Church. PICTURE: ALI AKBERALI @ayusufali06 (Ali Akberali)
Across the runway, that narrative was reflected in both the materials and the structure of the show itself, with heavier winter fabrics gradually giving way to lighter, more expressive spring looks.
“Fabric-wise, there’s a lot of winter knits at the beginning,” added Fashion Society president Alex Natin.
“Then as we move through the show, we go into more florals, more spring and summer elements.
“It’s not just about the clothes themselves, but how they’re styled and presented.
“At the start, looks are more covered, and then as the show progresses, there’s more confidence in what’s being shown.
“It’s about breaking down boundaries and allowing people to express themselves.”
All proceeds from the show will go to Women’s Aid, the society’s chosen charity partner this year.
Explaining the decision, Odhrán said the society wanted to support the organisation’s work in tackling domestic violence and abuse.
“Given the rise of violence against women in recent years, especially in Northern Ireland, we wanted to support the work they do.
“It’s such a prevalent issue, especially because the fashion industry has always depended on the work of powerful women.”
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Model Aoife Devlin wearing a design by Izzy Boomer of Izzy Boomer Studio at Queen’s University Fashion Society’s annual show at Carlisle Memorial Church. PICTURE: ALI AKBERALI @ayusufali06 (Ali Akberali)
The showcase featured 48 pieces from a range of student designers, offering a platform for emerging creatives to present their work in a professional setting.
For Alex, the opportunity to spotlight student talent is at the heart of the event.
“It’s amazing to be able to give people that platform,” she said.
“We have so many talented designers involved in this and to see their work come together like this is really special.”
Among the designers involved is Sperrin Design founder Karen Hegarty, who graduated from Ulster University in 2024 and was recently selected as part of a team of creatives to help style Derry Girls actor Saoirse-Monica Jackson for a Vogue photoshoot.
“There are people who have put so much into this,” Alex added.
“Some designers have produced multiple pieces, and the level of detail and effort that goes into that is incredible.”
While the show itself presents as a coordinated production, both organisers said the work behind the scenes is a year-long process involving extensive planning, collaboration and problem-solving.
“It’s something we’re thinking about as soon as the last show ends,” Alex said.
“It’s a year-long process, and there have definitely been a lot of sleepless nights along the way.”
Model Lyndzey Paulino wearing a design by Mya Toland of Eerie Lady at Queen’s University Fashion Society’s showcase in Belfast. PICTURE: ALI AKBERALI @ayusufali06 (Ali Akberali)
From sourcing materials and coordinating designers to securing a venue and shaping the overall creative direction, the scale of the production has continued to grow.
“This year especially has been a big undertaking,” Odhrán added.
“Working with a larger venue and bringing in different elements and collaborating with different people and groups has been a lot, but it’s been worth it to see everything come together.”
That collaborative element has become an increasingly important part of the show, reflecting a wider creative community within the university.
“We’ve worked with so many different people to make this happen,” Odhrán added.
“There’s a real sense of everyone contributing something to it.”
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Model Mary McNeil-White wearing a design by Anna George of Izabella Designs during Queen’s University Fashion Society’s annual show. PICTURE: ALI AKBERALI @ayusufali06 (Ali Akberali)
The pair also credited the society’s creative director Zoitsa Choy, saying the event would not have been possible without her input.
For them, the result is more than a successful show, but a reflection of the ideas, concerns and ambitions of a new generation of designers.
“It’s about more than just putting clothes on a runway,” Odhrán said. “It’s about what those clothes represent and the stories behind them.
“And being able to share that with an audience is what makes it all worthwhile.”