This year, the students of John Snow College at Durham University are using fashion as a force for good, hosting their annual charity fashion show (JSCFS) in support of Action Foundation.

We spoke to Gracie Reeves, the President of JSCFS, to find out more about the inspiration behind this year’s show and what makes it so special.

Why did you choose Action Foundation?

I first took over as President of JSCFS while working in a bar in Durham over the summer. At that time, there was growing tension in the North East, with misdirected rioting and violence affecting refugee communities. The bar I worked at, a small Turkish-Ghanaian place, felt the impact of this deeply. I knew then that I wanted to use JSCFS to support a local charity working directly with refugees and asylum seekers.

Action Foundation stood out to me because of its commitment to building solid foundations for people rebuilding their lives in the North East. There is so much richness and delight in forming communities that embrace diversity, and that’s exactly what you do.

“Partnering with Action Foundation is our way of helping to change the conversation around migration and show our solidarity.”

How will you fundraise?

An auction held during last year’s fashion show.

Most of our funds come from ticket sales, sponsors, raffles and auctions on the night of the show. But our team works hard in the lead-up too.

All our executive committee and models raise money through individual fundraisers. Last year, we had everything from a stairmaster climb of Everest to a 12-hour danceathon and even custom art commissions!

Have you chosen a theme?

Yes! Our Creative and Fashion teams have devised this year’s theme, ‘Capsule.’ Over three acts, we aim to portray distinctive artistic sectors and showcase them as if they have been revived from a lost time capsule.

John Snow Charity Fashion Show Committee 2025

Act I: ‘Echoes ‘- Focuses on distinctive, clean, and bold lines and shapes, capturing striking silhouettes. It reaches back to the core of traditional fashion, such as suits and formalwear, and pairs them with flowing structural pieces. This act embodies timeless elegance, composure and class while embracing the fun of subversion.

Act II: ‘Luxe’ – Serves as a transitional middle ground. Think avant-garde fashion paired with glitchy, layered music and choreography. Here, everything starts to break into larger, more colorful pathways while maintaining a level of class. We present a clash of two worlds attempting to separate, creating a stark sense of glamour.

Act III: ‘Inferno’ – Showcases the peak of vibrancy. Inspired by the disco era, this act celebrates maximalism and is synonymous with electric spirit and energy. We want to portray the joy of eccentricity.

 

What makes John Snow College special?

John Snow stands out as a college due to its strong sense of community. As a more modern college at Durham, it has a welcoming and approachable appeal, attracting a diverse range of students. This diversity fosters creativity and collaboration, which serve as driving forces behind the college’s culture.
The success of JSCFS over the years has established John Snow as a college renowned for its exceptional creatives, and this year’s team is determined to uphold that reputation.
By working alongside Action Foundation, the college reinforces both its creative excellence and its commitment to diversity by extending support to migrant families settling in the communities around us.
JSCFS has built a reputation for being one of the most exciting student-led fashion shows at Durham. This year, they’re determined to take that to the next level with their Capsule theme – all while raising as much as possible for Action Foundation. Supporting refugee and migrant communities aligns with everything the college stands for.
We’re incredibly grateful to the students of John Snow College for their support and we can’t wait to see their vision come to life on the runway!

A model having their makeup done backstage during last year’s show.