ICONIC NW CIC
Our Projects and Fashion Shows
We have loads of fabulous fashion, wellbeing and fundraising events each year
Breaking The Stigma
Breaking the stigma since 2017.
VE DAY 1940'S UPCYCLE PROJECT IN
PARTNERSHIP WITH SPORTS ALIVE
Working alongside a fantastic group of young people, we brought history to life through fashion, creativity and movement. Using pre-loved clothing kindly donated by parents, friends, mums, dads, aunties and uncles, participants learned how to design, upcycle and sew vintage-inspired outfits. From threading a needle for the first time to creating complete looks, their confidence and skills grew rapidly. Alongside sewing, we explored 1940s styling, teaching victory rolls, period-inspired makeup and discussing how fashion became a symbol of hope and celebration at the end of WWII. These practical sessions were paired with conversations about history, sustainability and self-expression.
The project culminated in a vibrant fashion show in the park during Sports Alive’s annual Fun Day. Making a grand entrance by train, the young people proudly showcased their creations to the community.
To complete the experience, participants also learned classic 1940s dances, including the Charleston and Lindy Hop, celebrating joy, movement and togetherness. This project was a powerful reminder that creativity can connect generations, tell stories and bring history to life.
ICONIC NW CIC FESTIVAL OF
FASHION AND BEAUTY 2025
The Iconic NW CIC Festival of Fashion, Fundraising event. Beauty and Wellness returns in 2025 at Liverpool’s prestigious Adelphi Hotel, celebrating creativity, community, and purpose under one roof. This landmark event shines a spotlight on fashion, beauty, and wellness while raising vital awareness for mental health and hidden disabilities.
A highlight of the festival is showcasing Iconic students emerging creatives from local colleges who gain invaluable real-world experience. From makeup artistry and styling to photography and set design, students have the opportunity to present their work to a wider audience, building professional portfolios and connecting with industry leaders. The festival provides hands-on experience, mentorship, and networking opportunities, helping students take the first steps toward a successful career in the creative industries.
The event features runway shows, live demonstrations, talks, and interactive experiences, encouraging meaningful conversations around wellbeing, self-expression, and accessibility. By celebrating student talent alongside established professionals, Iconic NW CIC fosters a truly inclusive and empowering environment.
Hosted at Liverpool’s iconic Adelphi Hotel, the 2025 festival promises an unforgettable experience where creativity meets social impact. By championing Iconic students, advocating for mental health, and promoting diversity, the festival demonstrates how fashion, beauty, and wellness can inspire, empower, and create lasting positive change.
RASA WALK FOR WOMAN
CHARITY FASHION SHOW
We had so much fun raising money for RASA Merseyside. We created a warrior theme for this event and Big Condo Records provided an awesome band - Strum Tap - who performed live whilst our models strutted their stuff on the catwalk. This charity is amazing! They do a fantastic job helping men, women and children of all ages who have suffered from abusive relationships by offering counselling sessions, support lines and much more. RASA also have a GoFundMe page if you would like to donate to them. We have had lots of support from local businesses, enabling us to put this fantastic event on. Thanks to Ink Bar for letting us use their venue!
A big thank you also to all the fabulous designers - Condo Wear, Groove On Toast, SD UK, Heather Seen This and Kitamay Designs - for showcasing their designs on the catwalk; to all the MUA and hairstylists who absolutely smashed the warrior look we were going for; Global Hills, Sua Nicola, Julia Rose Make Up and all the stunning models who rocked the runway like professionals; Charlotte Tait, Kayleigh Miles, Fern Thompson, Sua Nicola, Kelly, Erica, Fatima Sheru Gulati; big thanks to the photographers and everyone else who helped out. Thank you, we loved every minute of it.
SEW SKILLFUL IN PARTNERSHIP
WITH THE NATIONAL LOTTERY
The sew skillful project in partnership with the National Lottery community fund was amazing. We run multiple work shops with our learners for just over a year, developing sewing skills and techniques upskilling and working on employability.
The learners participated in workshops to create their own outfits of clothing, up cycling their old clothes and creating a new fashion for themselves. The learners worked in small groups building self esteem and confidence working together as a team.
We run multiple photoshoots at Mihi studios to showcase the spectacular collections the learners produced and we ran photoshoots with trainee models and learners from the community.
The learners worked with professional photographers to create the best professional photos and to get an understanding of how photography works and how to get the best images. The learners then had the opportunity to show case there designs on the catwalk at the festival of fashion in space Liverpool, walking Infront of hundreds of people.
We created a safe space for people to tell there personal stories and how sew skilful had helped them. The learners went on to explain how sew skilful had added life skills an knowledge, but more important they had grown in confidence.
NETWORKING IN PARTNERSHIP
WITH THE ADELPHI HOTEL
What an incredible day for our networking event filled with positive energy and a truly beautiful sense of community.
Our content creation workshop was both informative and inspiring, with so much value shared everyone absolutely loved it and left feeling more confident and motivated. The live UV facial demonstration was a real highlight, giving us a fascinating insight into skin health, alongside expert knowledge on building an effective and mindful skincare routine.
The live Reiki session was deeply moving; you could genuinely feel the shift in energy, and so many of us left feeling lighter, calmer, and rebalanced. The 1-to-1 readings were equally special every single person came away smiling, uplifted, and full of clarity after their time with you.
A huge thank you to the photographers who captured the magic of the day so beautifully. Special thanks to @adelphihotel for gifting us the stunning venue and for being such welcoming, supportive hosts.
We’re so grateful to the student makeup and hair teams, our wonderful models, and the talented fashion students who showcased their amazing collections. And of course, our fantastic local folk singer who set the vibe perfectly and brought the room to life.
Truly a day to remember.
THE WHAT IF PROJECT IN
PARTNERSHIP WITH THE PEOPLES POSTCODE LOTTERY
The WHAT IF Project explores makeup artistry as a powerful form of therapy and self-expression. Through creative transformation, this project asks what if makeup was not just about appearance, but about healing, identity, and freedom? Each look becomes an emotional outlet, allowing individuals to explore who they are without limitation or expectation.
Makeup within the WHAT IF? Project is used as a therapeutic tool a moment of mindfulness, release, and self-reflection. The act of creating encourages presence, confidence, and emotional expression, offering a safe space to process feelings that are often difficult to articulate. Colour, texture, and transformation become language.
By reimagining gender and identity through iconic inspiration, the project challenges traditional norms while supporting LGBTQ+ visibility and empowerment. It encourages participants to reclaim their image, celebrate authenticity, and embrace fluidity without fear of judgment.
At its core, the WHAT IF? Project highlights how creativity can support mental wellbeing. Makeup becomes more than artistry it becomes therapy, activism, and storytelling. A reminder that self-expression is healing, and identity is something to be explored, not confined.
INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
RIVERSIDE COLLEGE
We recently completed a fantastic Christmas photoshoot in collaboration with Riverside College as part of their Working with Industry Professionals on Real Projects programme. This exciting project gave students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience by working on a real industry brief from concept to completion.
Students from multiple creative disciplines came together to deliver the shoot, including makeup artistry, set design, and photography. Working alongside industry professionals, they developed their technical skills while learning the importance of teamwork, time management, and creative problem-solving in a professional environment. From initial planning and mood boards through to styling, lighting, and final imagery, students were involved in every stage of the process.
The Christmas theme allowed students to explore seasonal styling, colour palettes, and creative storytelling, resulting in a high-quality set of images suitable for both commercial and promotional use. The project not only enhanced their portfolios but also provided valuable insight into real-world creative workflows and client expectations.
We are incredibly proud of the students’ professionalism, creativity, and commitment throughout the project and would like to thank Riverside College for the opportunity to be part of such an inspiring and collaborative experience.
WEAR YOUR STORY, RAISING
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
THROUGH FASHION
Iconic NW CIC recently launched the inspiring “Wear Your Story” project, a creative initiative using fashion and upcycling to raise awareness about mental health. The project encourages participants to explore and express their personal journeys through clothing, turning fashion into a form of therapy and self-expression.
Participants begin by creating moodboards, reflecting their emotions, experiences, and mental health journeys. These boards serve as inspiration to upcycle clothes, transforming old garments into personalized, meaningful pieces that visually tell their story. The process of designing and creating is therapeutic, offering a safe and creative space for reflection, self-expression, and emotional release.
The project culminates in a professional photoshoot, capturing participants wearing their unique creations and sharing their stories through fashion. Each piece becomes a tangible representation of personal growth, resilience, and self-expression, while also sparking wider conversations about mental health in the community.
Wear Your Story demonstrates the powerful intersection of creativity, sustainability, and wellbeing. By combining upcycling, fashion, and mental health awareness, iconic NW CIC is showing how art and design can be used as tools for therapy, empowerment, and storytelling, helping participants and audiences alike to connect, reflect, and engage in meaningful dialogue.
DARE TO BE DIFFERENT
COLLECTIVE, UPCYCLE OF
FASHION TO CELEBRATE INDIVIDUALITY
The “Dare to Be Different” project, a collaboration between iconic NW CIC and Lumirer Charity, recently hosted an inspiring initiative for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (S.E.N.D). The project focused on upcycling clothes to create unique, personalized fashion pieces that reflected each child’s personality, creativity, and style.
Families and volunteers worked closely with iconic NW CIC to transform everyday garments into vibrant, one-of-a-kind outfits. Using fabrics, colors, patterns, and embellishments chosen by the children, each piece became a meaningful expression of individuality. The hands-on process encouraged creativity, confidence, and pride, allowing children to see their ideas come to life in wearable form.
The initiative culminated in an exciting fashion show, where the children confidently walked the runway, showcasing their upcycled creations to friends, families, and supporters. They also took part in a professional photoshoot, capturing their outfits and personalities, and were presented with certificates by Billy Hui, High Sheriff of Merseyside, celebrating their creativity and participation.
Dare to Be Different highlighted inclusivity, sustainability, and self-expression, while demonstrating the power of collaboration between communities, families, and charities. The project empowered children, promoted confidence, and turned recycled fashion into a meaningful celebration of individuality, creativity, and fun.
2V'S, VISION AND VULNERABILITY
HALLOWEEN EXPERIENCE
This Halloween, we collaborated with Big Condo Training Academy, invites you to step into The 2 V’s: Vision & Vulnerability an immersive creative experience where fashion, SFX makeup, self-expression and wellbeing collide. Designed as more than just a photoshoot, this project creates a safe and empowering space to explore identity, confidence and transformation through creativity. Participants are encouraged to think boldly, experiment freely and embrace vulnerability as a strength. Whether you arrive with a fully formed concept or allow your idea to evolve throughout the process, each session supports you in developing a striking, editorial-style look that tells your story.
Throughout the experience, participants layer costumes, experiment with professional SFX makeup techniques and explore character development, using Halloween as a creative backdrop rather than a limitation. The focus is not on perfection, but on process, expression and growth. The project culminates in a powerful photoshoot that captures both vision your creative direction and vulnerability the courage to be seen. Delivered in partnership with Big Condo Training Academy, this experience blends creative education with wellbeing, offering participants new skills, confidence and a platform to express who they are, or who they are becoming.
Iconic NW CIC
Sew Skillful With the National Lottery
THE ICONIC FASHION SHOW 2020
The Iconic fashion show was epic. The energy was amazing! We had the models dancing their way down the catwalk to keep things fun and fresh, as we like to innovate when doing our fashion shows. This is what makes us so unique. This fashion show focused on being kind and inclusive and promoting diversity. We had lots of designers from all over the country - from Liverpool, London, Birmingham and Manchester - to showcase their amazing designs.
The show was hosted by the fabulous Leanne Campbell from Radio City 96.7 FM.
Designers that graced the catwalk were Just Your Outfit, Julie Corion, Hlu Clothing, Bohemiannova Couture, Je Moda, Condo Wear and House of Charles. Big thanks to our stunning models - Grace Lovesss, Sheru Gulati, Erica Bixby, Chloe C, Nicola Washington, Laura Wenton, Joanna Leigh Hewitt, Ammar Burno, Fern Thompson, Emma Harvey and Steph Macauley who were all amazing. Big thanks also to Doll Face Makeup, Laura Anthony Makeup and Gemma Rothschild for the hair and makeup. Thanks to all the artists who performed - Tiffany Riddell, Livvy K and DJ Jade Jaxon on the music.
Diversity at Heart
Iconic (NW) CIC has been nominated for a National Diversity Award.
Festival of Fashion & Beauty 2024
The Festival of Fashion and Beauty is our yearly celebration for all people within the industries who have done amazing and inspiring work throughout the year. We host a 3 day celebration, every year.
We kicked off this year's with an epic make up master class from Liverpool's famous brand Peaches and Cream. I Am Art also delivered a workshop on photography and lighting designed to elevate your photoshoot.
Our Sew Skilful students showcased their collections on the runway.
We partnered up with the Big Condo Academy to showcase their 100 years of fashion collection, showcasing the 1920s to the 2020s - a whole 100 years.
We had industry professionals from fashion brands Joe & Jo Bridal and Sellers, bloggers & content creators, Fiona Burgers. Skin Care by YNNY with an inspirational speech from founder Georgina Tang.
Plenty of Q&A with the audience happened over the 3 days.
The main event was with fashion designers from across the world - Tunde Design and Real Designs, Pinc Tiger, Shameless Originals who showcased their collections which were very popular with our audience.
We also ran a wellness day; we had Catherine from Johan and Lilly give us her inspirational speech of self healing from cancer through mind, body and soul using holistic therapy techniques. Catherine demonstrated a live Reiki demonstration to one of our audience members. This was truly amazing and the audience were blown away. Beverley Mediumship delivered an impressive live mediumship session with the audience with her spiritual guides passing messages. We also saw Sarah Jane from Aesthetica by Sarah Jane deliver a workshop in safe practices within the Aesthetics community.
We partnered up with Big Condo Records who showcased the amazing talents of Royzy Rothschild, Kiera Marsland, Charliee and Mike Ryan who all performed amazing acoustic sets for live entertainment.
We were very lucky to have Billy Hui from BBC Radio Merseyside host the whole weekend. We partnered up with Riverside College who brought their students on work experience where they did all the hair and make up for the fashion show. This was an amazingly diverse and inclusive festival which was hailed a success. If you would like to be a part of our next festival of fashion send us an email.
Festival of Fashion and Beauty
We Need Your Support Today!
HAF AND CHILDRENS ACTIVITIES
We love working with children and young people during the half term and breaks on multiple projects with our affiliates and partners, including Mpac and Liverpool City and Sefton Council.
We work with children from ages 5 years to 16 years old, running development workshops in sewing, dye and up cycling, specials effects make up, beauty, modelling, photography, drama and online safety workshops.The children and young people grow in confidence and we love watching them develop and grow as they find themselves in creativity.
We run multiple workshops and we are available to work with new partners. Email : iconic.cic.management@
CHILDRENS ACTIVITIES
