York Fashion Week (YFW) has extended its official apparel in a
collaboration with the charity, ‘Smart Works Leeds’. Nicky
Hayer, Creative Director at YFW, was head of creative on the range,
which includes four stunning T-shirts emblazoned with nods to life
affirming quotes from famous people including ‘Think for yourself.
Aloud,’ by Coco Chanel and “I know who I am” by Michele Obama.
The T-shirts, which are available in navy and white, can also be
ordered in both a casual or cinched fit, and can be ordered via the
website with £5.00 from each purchase being donated to Smart Works
Leeds, a dynamic, high profile and fast-growing charity that dresses
and coaches unemployed women for success at their job interview.

Nicky Hayer explained: “When I met the Smart Works Leeds team, I
was blown away by their enthusiasm and the work that they deliver.
They’re changing lives, and the way that they use fashion and
style to empower felt very in line with the ethos of York Fashion
Week. A collection of collaboration tees is a really beautiful way
to celebrate them and is a great starting point to our working
relationship. The quotes have been taken from speeches or interviews
that left the audience feeling inspired, and that are all about
making an impact, believing in yourself and achieving great
things.”

The new collection complements the existing range of YFW branded
merchandise including hoodies and T-shirts available in shades of
black, white, cranberry, mustard, and sand and bottle green as well
as a bestselling black tote bag. The stylish apparel comprises
collections such as “Not New York” and “Model Life”.

YFW received much praise from its community for launching the new
collection in a gender inclusive manner, which meant offering the
styles in either casual or cinched, so the customer can choose which
fit is right for their body shape. The YFW merchandise can be
purchased from the York Fashion Week website.

The launch coincides with the announcement of the dates for York
Fashion Week 2024 Part One – 2nd-6th May 2024
- which will once
again take over the historic city. It will bring together a
community of talented creatives, fashionistas, stylists and
volunteers passionate about flying the flag for fashion with a
particular focus on grassroots and student design.

York Fashion Week launched in 2018, and even with a two year break
due to Covid, the event has grown year on year. It has been the
first to host runway shows in iconic venues such as York Art Gallery
and The Guildhall. YFW has worked with brands such as Rolls-Royce
Motorcars Leeds and Gary James McQueen, and has welcomed guests from
as far as China to the events. Since its growth, the event is
proudly sponsored by NIMA, York Bid and MARK. With Associate
Sponsors including Rae & Rae Opticians, House of Dandelions and
Party Octopus.

A series of networking events will take place across the city in the
run up to York Fashion Week 2024 Part One. These events provide a
platform for individuals to learn more about how they can get
involved with YFW and for existing members to come together to forge
plans for the runway shows. To sign up to the newsletter for
further information and to register your interest in attending the
networking events then please visit www.yorkfashionweek.co.uk