SETU students host sustainable runway show for cancer charity

A GROUP of third-year SETU students are bringing sustainable fashion to the catwalk later this month in aid of Éist Cancer Support Services in Carlow.

The fashion show, which takes place at the Dolmen Hotel on Tuesday 25 November, will feature volunteer models wearing clothes donated by local charity shops, showcasing how pre-loved fashion can be both stylish and sustainable.

The event is being organised by four BSc in Digital Marketing with Analytics students – Jodi Ruddy, Caitlinn Smith, Tina Howley and Martyna Paczek – as part of their third-year project in event management.

Ms Ruddy, a mature student who hopes to pursue event management in the wedding industry after graduation, explained how the concept came together.

“We wanted to do something that was different and that was going to stand out. All of us in the group love buying from charity shops and using apps like Vinted to purchase second-hand clothes so we thought we could incorporate that into an event with a goal to make money for charity,” she said.

The students have divided responsibilities among themselves, with roles including sponsorship co-ordination, marketing and model recruitment. “All of our models are volunteers; they’re all friends and family,” Ms Ruddy added.

Local charity shops have come on board to support the initiative by providing clothing for the runway.

“We contacted charity shops around the town and they are giving us the clothes for the models on the night.

“So they’ll be mentioned throughout the night as supporters of the event, and then afterwards we donate the clothes back to them. The sustainable side of it is we’re promoting local charity shops and highlighting the ways that people can style the clothes that are available already in these shops,” Ms Ruddy explained.

Doors open at 7pm with the show starting at 8pm. All proceeds will go to Éist Cancer Support Services.

Tickets are available on Eventbrite, priced at €15 for adults and €5 for children.