A BARNSLEY fashion designer turned social media influencer has set up the first Barnsley Fashion Week in a bid to showcase the town’s talent and help local charities at the same time.

The week-long initiative will culminate in a glitzy fashion show at the Metrodome on October 27 when over 90 different looks will be showcased on a massive catwalk, making it the biggest fashion event Barnsley has ever seen.

Victoria Reddington, 39, grew up in Darfield and went on to set up her own company, showcasing her own designs and supporting other independent designers with marketing and promotion.

“My dad, Alwyn Richards, and his wife Christine are members of Barnsley Rockley Rotary Club and they asked me if I could help organise a fashion show as the club was keen to reach more of the youth of Barnsley and it has gone from there,” said Victoria.

Working closely with Barnsley College and the event’s main sponsor Clobber Swap – a clothing exchange platform which is all about refreshing wardrobes in a way that reduces the circulation of fashion into landfill – 100 per cent of the event’s profits will go to local charity BIADS and Marie Curie UK.

“Many of our local designers don’t have the confidence to showcase their talents or are having to travel all over the country to show their work – we want the Fashion Week to change all that,” said Victoria.

Walking the runway will be outfits from retailers of the Glass Works, local independent brands and boutiques, independent fashion designers from the area and Barnsley College fashion students.

Well-known faces involved in the show include Barnsley-born Danny Malin of Rate My Takeaway fame and his wife, Sophie Mei Lan Malin from Britain’s Got Talent, Jojo from Capital FM – who will be modelling on the runway – and Stephanie Hirst.

Tickets are £30 and include prosecco on arrival, a welcome reception where you can browse a selection of trade stands, followed by a sit-down buffet style meal served to your table, with a great view of the catwalk.