Have you ever attended a fashion show that truly moved you? Not just dazzled you with fabric and flair but genuinely touched your heart. If not, you’re about to get your chance.
After being rained off in July, literally washed out just hours before it was due to start, the highly anticipated Threads of Grace: Power of You fashion show is back with a new date and even more purpose. And trust us, this isn’t your average catwalk event.
Taking place under the stars on Sunday, 31 August, the show is set to take place against the beautiful backdrop of Cartwright Hall in Lister Park. But this time, with fingers crossed for better weather, the community is coming together in an even bigger way, all for charity, creativity, and celebration of identity.
Fashion that reflects you
What makes this event so special? It centres real people’s models with stories, not just poses. Whether it’s local leaders, community champions, or women overcoming illness or injury, they’ll walk the runway in designer pieces that reflect who they are.
Bradford’s own Bombay Stores is one of the key designers involved. Sidra from the store shared, “The collection we’re showcasing is all about being you. We’ve tailored outfits to reflect each public figure’s personality, whether traditional or bold, quiet or colourful. This show is about comfort, confidence, and culture.”
It’s not just fashion for fashion’s sake. Sidra continues, “Bradford is a tight-knit South Asian community, and something like this brings us together whether you’re following trends or just want to connect with like-minded people.”
Community power, charity purpose
The postponed show could have ended there, but Bradford had other ideas.
Enter local heroes: My Skyn Clinic, Prashad Restaurant, International Restaurant, Akbars, Kiplings, Milson Solicitors, Fever FM Radio Leeds and Lala’s, who all stepped up to sponsor the new date. It’s Bradford business at its best, doing their bit for a bigger cause.
“For us at Prashad, supporting this show was a no-brainer. It’s not just about fashion, it’s about giving back, celebrating identity, and standing with our community. Bradford shines when we come together like this.” — Bobby Patel, Prashad
Every £10 ticket sold helps raise funds for Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice and Ovacome, the national ovarian cancer charity. Victoria from Ovacome explained why events like this matter so much: “The signs of ovarian cancer are vague, and diagnosis often comes late. Events like this raise awareness in a non-threatening, community-led way. Even a £10 ticket can help someone access life-changing support, in their language, at a time they need it most.”
The funds go a long way. “We’re a small charity with a big impact,” she added. “That donation could help someone isolated connect with others, find answers, or simply feel seen.”
Her message to the models and designers? “We know many are stepping way outside their comfort zones. Your bravery and generosity help people going through the darkest times. We’re so grateful.”
Why this show matters
The fashion show’s theme, Power of You, isn’t just a name; it’s a message. One that cuts through the gloss and glamour to say: your story, your scars, your culture, your quirks, they belong on the runway too.
The show will feature personalities like Dr Amir Khan, Rubina Niazi from Bradford Aunties, Culture champion and former councillor Richard Dunbar and our very own Editor Fatima Patel, styled to reflect their true selves. Whether in hijabs, plus-size couture, or traditional looks, each model becomes a walking testament to resilience and realness.
And Bradford seems ready for it. Despite the rain at the last attempt, people still turned up, hoping the show would go on. Now, it finally will.
So, consider this your invite. Come for the fashion, stay for the stories, and leave knowing you’ve contributed to a powerful cause.
‘Threads of Grace: Power of You’ – Sunday 31 August, 8–10 PM, Lister Park, Bradford. Tickets £10.
Funds raised will support Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice and Ovacome.
🎟️ Book now at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/threads-of-grace-power-of-you-tickets-1391390308869?aff=oddtdtcreator
