The Biggest Trend in Beauty This Year? Not Buying Any

In The Middle hello 2020

Ellie Shovelin collects trend insights from bloggers, students and fashion fanatics whilst Sarah Mortimore introduces Leeds‘ biggest date on the fashion calender. 2020, we‘re ready for you...

Elysian is Coming: 28th - 29th February

ELYSIAN (adjective) beautiful or creative; divinely inspired; peaceful and perfect.

Credit: UBC

New Year’s resolutions don’t need to be solely reserved for positive habit changes and upping your productivity. As you find yourselves slowly creeping towards dissertations, deadlines and even graduation, it’s important to have a little fun with your goals where possible. This is why we asked you what your fashion resolutions were for 2020. Who says New Year’s resolutions only involve going to the gym?

“I’m trying to be more thoughtful with my purchases so instead of buying things just because or in two colours because I like it I’m taking more time to choose and being stricter with myself!” Lucy, 38, Blogger

“Keep adding in more colour and recycling. Try to repair my clothes were possible and recycle them when they can’t be.” Victoria, 21, Blogger

“I want to figure out my style! Try to break away from band t-shirts (only occasionally!) and learn how to express myself.” Lewis, 22, History Student

“I’d like to learn how to dress a little more feminine for special events. I just find my jogger bottoms too comfortable though!” Beth, 20, English Student

“I want to stop wearing trainers everywhere I go. Also probably invest more in depop but try to reduce how much I buy anyway!” Jessica, 24, Media Student

“I want to be more eco friendly in my approach to fashion this year, I already donate/eBay my old clothes but I want to avoid fast fashion and buy less clothes or at least buy more clothes more sensibly in 2020.” Meghan, 26, Blogger

“To only buy second hand or from local, sustainable brands. To only buy what I need, and to not over consume.” Abby Ann, 30, Blogger

“I want to learn how to walk in heels no matter the height! I also want to make more of an effort everyday when I get ready and learn to love what’s in my wardrobe!” Ellie, 24, Journalism Student

“I really want to reduce my clothes consumption! The industry is so bad for the environment so I want to try to be as sustainable as possible.” Shelby, 24, English Student

“I really just want to learn how to tie a tie properly. I’m likely gonna need to wear suits when I graduate so it would be nice not to have to use a clip on for interviews!” Sam, 23, Law Student

This year, LRFS is focused on sustainability, and the exciting creations from Leeds Students will be designed to reflect the beauty and power of mother nature. The show will be a celebration of our wonderful Earth, and profits will be donated to two environmental charities: Plastic Oceans UK and Hubbub. With a focus on the planet as well as the diversity of the humans inhabiting it, Elysian promises to be a beautiful showcase of the university’s talents.

“Using Fashion as a tool, we begin a journey of empowerment and enlightenment and believe in the change that is to come.”

Credit: Julia Kaut and Emily Moore

Plastic Oceans UK are on a mission to reduce the 8 million tons of plastic waste entering our oceans each year. Their award-winning documentaries, business partnerships and education initiatives help raise awareness and work towards finding solutions to halt the staggeringly high levels of plastic polluting our oceans.

Hubbub help people make more sustainable lifestyle choices in their everyday lives. They offer realistic, practical solutions to help people reduce their environmental impact across their lifestyles from the workplace, to the home, to food and fashion choices. Only running for 5 years, Hubbub already hold some impressive accolades to their name, including collaborating with over 700 international and local businesses, and reaching 3.7 billion people with their campaigns.

Credit: Julia Kaut and Emily Moore

While the scale of the climate crisis may be enormous, these charities are both dedicated to finding sustainable solutions at a local level and in our community. LRFS offers an opportunity to support our university’s talent whilst also making a valuable contribution to the environment (and of course having a hell of a good night in the process). The RAG team couldn’t have put it better themselves, with Elysian, “fashion has never been better for this planet”.

Standard release fashion show and afterparty tickets are now on sale. If the launch party is anything to go by, Leeds are in for some very good times. For one night only on Saturday 29th February, LRFS are teaming up with Lunar Underground to present the ‘Big Bang’ afterparty at Freedom Mills. Featuring one of the godfathers of UK Garage Zed Bias, as well as Lunar Underground, Hyde House, sub:stance recordings and Healthy Minds, the official afterparty is one you will not want to miss. Credit: Julia Kaut and Emily Moore