VICTORIA LEEDS FASHION WEEK RETURNS THIS MAY WITH ‘NOTES ON FASHION’ A CELEBRATION OF INDIVIDUAL STYLE

Victoria Leeds announces the return of its highly anticipated Fashion Week this May, marking its third edition with an elevated and immersive programme of style-led experiences. From 8th May – 17th May, fashion lovers can look forward to a 10-day celebration of curated events, exclusive experiences, and in-store activations – all leading up to the highlight of the week, a showstopping runway event.

Named ‘Notes on Fashion’, this year’s event invites guests to explore how personal style, rather than passing trends, defines true fashion. From luxury houses to elevated everyday brands, Victoria Leeds offers a dazzling celebration of fashion once again, following its sell-out runway show last year.

Victoria Leeds is proud to be partnering once again with Smart Works this year, a charity dedicated to supporting unemployed women with the clothing, coaching and confidence they need to secure employment and transform their lives.

All ticket sales for the fashion show will be donated to Smart Works, helping to further its vital work across the local community.

Jo Coburn, Centre Director at Victoria Leeds said: “This year’s Fashion Week offers a truly elevated experience, bringing together iconic luxury brands, expert styling moments and a showstopping runway event. It reflects Victoria Leeds as more than a retail destination, but a place where fashion, creativity and experience come together.”

At the heart of the experience, six curated Style Pods will appear across the estate, each offering a distinct expression of style from a selection of iconic brands. Guests are invited to step inside immersive, editorial-inspired installations that draw from the world of fashion publishing.

Visitors can discover the season’s defining pieces while refining their own aesthetic through four key style directions: The Modern Minimalist, The Refined Bohemian, The Artful Expressionist and The Heritage Sophisticate.

Victoria Leeds introduces The Dressing Room, an exclusive styling experience designed to help guests unlock a deeper understanding of their personal style.

Led by stylist Laura Fawcett alongside stylist and fashion influencer Ruth Preston, the sessions explore the transformative power of fashion, not just as something to wear, but as a tool for confidence, self-expression and everyday enjoyment.

Each appointment offers a personalised 20-minute consultation. Guests will begin with an express colour analysis with Laura to identify their individual “season,” before moving on to a tailored styling session with Ruth. Building on this insight, guests will receive expert guidance on refining their capsule wardrobe, with practical advice designed to elevate everyday dressing.

Appointments are limited, with a donation required to secure each booking. All proceeds will be donated to Smart Works, supporting its mission to help women into employment through clothing, coaching and confidence-building programmes. Walk-in spots will be available between 1pm – 2pm on a first come first served basis.

The week builds to a spectacular, immersive runway experience at Victoria Gate, hosted by broadcast journalist, Michelle Eagleton – presenter of the Victoria Leeds ‘Style Arcades’ podcast.

With seated tickets already sold out, this curated catwalk show will bring the four defining style pillars to life, showcasing how fashion can be interpreted, styled and made personal. Set within the iconic surroundings of Victoria Gate, the runway will present a journey through the season’s hottest looks from over 20 of Victoria Leeds top retailers, including John Lewis, Harvey Nichols, Whistles, Omnes, The White Company, Nobody’s Child, Thomas Sabo and Cubitts.

All proceeds from ticket sales will again be donated directly to Smart Works, the event’s charity partner.

As the runway closes, the celebration continues upstairs with an exclusive afterparty at the stylish Middle East-inspired Habbibi restaurant on Level 3 of Victoria Gate, offering guests the opportunity to extend the evening in style.

To conclude the 10-day fashion programme, Michelle Eagleton will host ‘Notes on Fashion Live’ with special guest and celebrity stylist, Karen Williams (@karenwilliamstylist). A live conversation set inside the prestigious Grade II listed upper level of The Cut & Craft, the session will explore the thinking behind personal style, from defining signature looks to evolving tastes over time.

Guests can expect discussion around key seasonal pieces, emerging fashion movements and the art of building a wardrobe with intention. The event wraps up with a live audience Q&A, an open, friendly exchange of ideas where style takes centre stage.