We rolled out the red carpet for dozens of guests on Friday, 19th June 2026, to celebrate local creativity with the grand opening of Fashionhouse, by Cherwell Collective.

Calum Miller, MP, untied our red ribbon to open the creative space, which will host local sustainable artists alongside Cherwell Collective’s Creative Director, Molliemae Cox. Cox is the mastermind behind the Waste Innovation Station Headquarters (WISH) line for the 2026 Sustainable Fashion Show at Blenheim Palace as well as our Carbon Cost of Fashion exhibition, which is now on display at Fashionhouse. 

Miller made a few comments about the space: “It’s a real pleasure to be here seeing the work that you’re doing, supporting the work you’re going to do in the future and hearing a bit more about the projects for this absolutely brilliant space.” 

We were also joined by local councillors including Nigel Simpson, Chair of Cherwell District Council, and Fiona Mawson and Ian Middleton of Oxford Green Party representing Kidlington wards on the district and county councils. 

Notable local fashion industry guests included Laure Loutala M’Polo (Lady Boss), Founder / CEO of Lady Boss Events (who is also our Sustainable Fashion Show runway coach and stage manager), Donna Roper, and Naomi Watts, and many models from our 2025 and 2026 Sustainable Fashion Show at Blenheim Palace. 

Local climate warriors like Anne Maclachlan from Climate Collective Oxford, Cara Hedges from Sustainable Chipping Norton and Bart Ashton from Zero Carbon Oxfordshire Partnership. Patsy Day of the Wobbly Middle Podcast, and Cate Beavis from Gardner Leader LLP joined dozens of guests striking a pose and strutting their stuff.

Throughout the opening, Cherwell Collective promoted a range of local artists, continuing their drive to support the creative industry. The music ranged from beautiful quartets to local electronic music and reflected Fashionhouse’s goal to foster local creative talents.

The main attraction of the evening was our Carbon Cost of Fashion exhibition, which has toured throughout Oxfordshire, as well as notable designs from last year’s Sustainable Fashion Show at Blenheim Palace. This space will be open to the public regularly to help keep people informed of the environmental consequences of their shopping decisions. 


As the evening came to an end, we encouraged people to shop for shoes, clothes, plants, and more to help us keep items in circulation. 

Dr. Connally reminded guests that this space is meant to inspire people to give up their carbon footprints, not style or luxury.

If you are in need of creative space, please fill in this form to book studio time at Fashionhouse.