On 1 October, Cherwell Collective will be proud to present Ripples of Change, a runway show of sustainable fashion, at Blenheim Palace. This is not just a fashion show. It is a platform for sharing groundbreaking innovations and celebrating the very people creating the sustainable future our planet needs. These individuals are not just our incredible designers – they are also our VIP guests.

Get tickets to attend the incredible fashion show

At Cherwell Collective, we don’t define “Very Important People” by wealth or fame. We look at how someone uses their time, skills, and influence. Our VIPs have built careers around impact instead of recognition. Their presence at Ripples of Change reflects the deeper purpose of this event: sustainable fashion powered by sustainable values.

You can also be a VIP, supporting our cause by purchasing a VIP ticket for our event. VIP ticket holders for the Ripples of Change sustainable fashion show will enjoy a pre-show reception in the palace with drinks, live music, networking, and a professional photography shoot. They’ll also be given seats to the runway show in the coveted front row.

Here we introduce you to a few of the incredible people that you will get to know on the big night, should you secure yourself a coveted VIP ticket.

VIPs on the Day

Shabnam Sabir

Photo Credit Richard Cave

Long before her well-earned British Empire Medal (BEM) royal recognition, Shabnam Sabir’s smiling face was a beacon of light amongst East Oxford communities. From humble beginnings above her parents’ Cowley shop, Shabnam has dedicated her life to changing the lives of others.

After becoming a professional educator, she founded the Oxford Homeless Project, where she breaks down barriers and dispels misconceptions. The project hosts regular celebratory lunches where volunteers can make and share hot meals with those in most need, inspired by her own faith-based experience of hunger and compassion without judgment. 

Reflecting the ethos of Cherwell Collective, Shabnam does not ‘means test’ when offering food. And whether it’s steering her multiple refugee or youth projects, or organising the annual Oxford Eid Extravaganza, she ignites community spirit and embraces cultural diversity. 

She now manages the Ley’s Locality for Oxford City Council; she ensures every community has a voice.

Robert Buckledee

Deputy Lieutenant Robert Buckeldee has been serving Oxfordshire in this capacity for 18 years. In Kidlington, he is churchwarden at St Mary’s Church, a centre of worship for more than 800 years and a much-loved local landmark and community asset. He is a trustee of Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action (OCVA), which supports the charitable and voluntary sector in the county in partnership with Oxfordshire County Council. 

Cherwell Collective has been helped by OCVA via grant funding, volunteer support, and general mentorship. He is also a trustee of Cherwell Counselling, which was set up by his wife Jill, also a VIP guest. 

Cherwell Counselling provides affordable counselling with accredited therapists providing support for mental health challenges to dozens of local residents. This service is inclusive and empowers many who would otherwise be priced out of the help they need.

Joanna Foster

As Chair of the Equal Opportunities Commission, Joanna led the national shift toward family-friendly policies and workplace practices.

Her commitment to work-life balance extends beyond her career. She actively champions the preservation of music, arts, and local heritage.

Joanna now balances writing her memoir with fundraising for the restoration of Kidlington’s early medieval St Mary’s Church.

Richard Kennell 

After 15 years moulding young minds as an Oxfordshire teacher, Richard Kennell changed careers. In 2014 he founded SOFEA, an educational charity providing employability and wellbeing support for vulnerable youth.  

SOFEA collects surplus food which then goes to dozens of community larders, feeding thousands in Oxfordshire each week.

Patsy Day

Previously a high-powered solicitor, Patsy now co-hosts ‘The Wobbly Middle’ podcast. It is a platform spotlighting women who’ve made bold career changes, often while navigating the challenges of motherhood or male-dominated industries.

When she’s not celebrating women’s journeys, Patsy delves into stories that explore how societal structures enable and sometimes excuse injustice.

Get to know them at the Show

These special guests are the people seated in the front row. They are not here to be seen. They are here because we value their incredible contribution to our community: showing us all how fashion, community, and leadership can sustainably move forward.

VIP ticket purchasing guests receive premium seating among these VIPs, a private pre-show reception with drinks, and the opportunity to connect with individuals shaping local and national change. Spaces are limited and are on sale now.

Ripples of Change is really much more than a show. It is a step towards building the community systems we want with incredible community members: thoughtful, radical, creative, responsible, and collaborative.

See you on the runway!