Inside the Leeds RAG Fashion Show 2024 Launch Party: 'Eclipse'

For the sixteenth year in a row, Leeds RAG (Raise and Give) kicked off its annual fashion show on Monday with a launch party—held in style at Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen—where this year’s theme, Eclipse, was announced. LRFS (Leeds RAG’s Fashion Show) is the largest student-led charity event at the University of Leeds, bringing together visionary artists and philanthropy in a dazzling showcase.

The show is set for the end of February, and committee members have been planning the event for months—including Monday’s launch party. The society has grown steadily over the past 11 years, raising over £1,000,000, making each year’s event that much more enticing.

“Everything will be bigger, bolder, brighter.”
– Michael Marinakis (General Director of LRFS)

This year, 120 models gathered as Archie Summerhayes, the 2024 LRFS casting director, opened the doors for casting. When asked about his selection process, Archie says it comes down to ‘personality and confidence.’

“We’re all shapes, sizes, and colours,” says Jack Nonis, a model in this year’s fashion show—quickly adding that there’s no emphasis on label size.

“Everything will be bigger, bolder, brighter this year,” announces Michael Marinakis, general director of the LRFS committee. This is no surprise by the standards set during Monday’s festivities. From live bands to DJs, a personalised drink menu, stellar lighting, and a carpet rolled out for photo ops, guests might as well have been at London Fashion Week.

Models, guests, and performers at LRFS 2024 Fashion Show launch party/Photo credits to Britta Carlson and Eleanor Reilly

While the LRFS launch party celebrates last year’s achievements, imminent success, and glamour, it’s founded on charity. It is an annual event organised by committee members, using its popularity to launch the fashion show’s theme and spotlight the organisations supported by sales. This year, profits will be donated to Ditch the Label, Yorkshire Mesmac, and Leeds Nightline—announced through a kaleidoscopic reveal of this year’s show: Eclipse.

LRFS also raises funds beyond the show, with numerous events organised by the student-led group.

‘Fashion gets more exciting when you can help others,’ says the LRFS committee to a packed venue following the exposé…

…And the reveal was a stylish affair at that. Through a guessing game (very murder on the Orient express), RAGS gave hints of this year’s theme through its dress code, ‘shine bright’, decorations, and even title of drinks.

Decorations by the LRFS committee offered a photo op and a sneak peek at this year’s theme: Eclipse.

Photo credits to Britta Carlson

“Eclipse—the sun and the moon—symbolises something bigger in our show,” the committee says after debuting their promotional video.

“Eclipse symbolises the defiance of cosmic norms. Going against what society expects, we want to encourage people to show their true selves,” Michael explains, adding that this year’s show will be the first carbon-neutral event at the University of Leeds—solely showcasing designs made by local Leeds students.

“I am most excited about seeing it all come together at the show,” says the fundraising director, sharing the various subcommittees and divisions behind the scenes within LRFS.

“Mark your calendars for an unforgettable event on February 23rd and 24th at The Refectory, University of Leeds. Dive into our world of celestial elegance and be a part of the change.”
– Leeds RAG Fashion Show committee

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