The RWK Goodman Silverlining Fashion Show

For nearly 150 years, every Oxford graduate has passed through the Examination Schools to attend lectures and sit their exams.  Here at OUEV, we blend academic tradition with innovative venue services hosting a diverse range of events for our wide customer base.  Conferences, dinners, and exhibitions are among popular uses of the venue, but have also been able to host the likes of fashion shows and other non-traditional events.  

On Wednesday 15 January 2025, we were delighted to accommodate  The Silverlining Fashion Show, hosted by national law firm RWK Goodman in support of The Silverlining Brain Injury Charity. The roster of models had a diverse blend of carers/support workers, the RWK Goodman team, and professional models notably  Kit Butler who has modelled for the likes of Dolce and Gabbana and Burberry. However, the primary focus of this line-up were the individuals and family members with lived experience of brain injuries, celebrating their amazing achievements, and giving them all their moment in the spotlight as they strutted their stuff on the runway. 

Our South Schools was a perfect setting for an event of this kind; as one of our largest rooms, this flexible space and its symmetrical design provided the ideal setting for the runway.  Next door, the event buzz continued, as our North Schools doubled up as both a dressing, hair and makeup station for models, and a networking base for attendees. By spreading the event across the two neighbouring schools, models had easy access to showcase their individuality, and guests were fully immersed in the action of this vibrant and celebratory event.  

Our work on this would not have been complete without the tremendous contributions of our technicians at That Event Company. Their work on the set-up brought the creative vision of this fashion show to life, and their lighting arrangement was synchronised to accentuate and elevate every walk up and down the runway. The event was also supported by our wonderful catering team, whose attentive service and delicious food and drink formed the perfect backdrop to this evening of celebration. The collaborative spirit behind this event made it all the more memorable for everyone involved.   

With an evening of such joy, accomplishment, partnership, and support, we were able to champion an ‘available for all’ ethos, promoting accessibility and thinking creatively to ensure our spaces can be enjoyed by everyone.