Join us for an inspiring evening of sustainable fashion as part of Oxfam's Second-hand September campaign at Oxfam Superstore, Manchester.

Hosted by the University of Manchester and Oxfam, this unique event combines a styling masterclass led by Sam Loat, founder and stylist of the internationally distributed pre-loved menswear magazine nathan., with the first-ever Big North Styling Challenge. Taking place across Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool during Second-hand September, this regional initiative celebrates sustainable fashion and challenges participants to demonstrate how pre-loved clothing can create inspiring, trend-led looks.

Who Should Attend?

Students

Fashion enthusiasts

Stylists and creatives

Sustainability advocates

Anyone interested in second-hand fashion

No previous styling experience is required. This event is beginner-friendly and open to all.

Limited Places (20 tickets available.)

Due to the interactive nature of the workshop, spaces are strictly limited. Early booking is strongly recommended to avoid missing out. Tickets will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tickets are £5 per person, with proceeds donated to Oxfam, supporting its work to tackle poverty and inequality around the world.

What you'll experience!

The event consists of two parts:

Part 1: Preloved Styling Masterclass with Sam Loat

Sam Loat is the founder, stylist and creative force behind nathan., a pre-loved menswear magazine that champions the creative potential of second-hand fashion. Sold in magazine stores worldwide, nathan. is conceptualised and styled by Sam.

Drawing on his extensive experience in both charity retail and fashion styling, Sam will share practical advice on:

Finding the best pre-loved pieces

Building a sustainable wardrobe

Interpreting current fashion trends through second-hand fashion

Using pre-loved clothing as a source of creative inspiration

Styling techniques used in editorial fashion

Part 2: Big North Styling Challenge

Following the masterclass, participants will take part in a live styling challenge.

Working in teams, participants will create an outfit inspired by Autumn/Winter 2026 trends using only garments sourced from the Oxfam Superstore.

This challenge invites participants to demonstrate how pre-loved fashion can create innovative, high-impact, trend-led looks while promoting more sustainable ways of consuming fashion.

Participants will:

Explore the Oxfam Superstore to source garments and accessories

Work collaboratively in teams

Create and present a complete styled look

Compete to be crowned the winner of the first-ever Big North Styling Challenge

The winning outfits will be selected by Sam Loat and displayed in the Oxfam Superstore window, showcasing the creative potential of pre-loved fashion to customers and visitors.

Why Attend?

Learn directly from an industry stylist and creative director

Discover how to source and style pre-loved fashion

Gain insight into Autumn/Winter 2026 trends

Meet like-minded people passionate about sustainability and fashion

Support Oxfam through your ticket purchase

Take part in a unique styling competition

Have the chance to see your winning outfit displayed in the Oxfam Superstore window

Accessibility Information

We want everyone to feel welcome and able to participate fully in this event.

The venue offers:

Step-free access to the event space via lift

Step-free access to toilet facilities

An accessible toilet on site

A designated quiet space available throughout the event

Travel and Parking

Free parking (up to 4hours)

Blue Badge parking is available at Manchester Fort Retail Park.

The Oxfam Superstore is approximately a two-minute walk from the nearest bus stop.

Buses operating on Manchester's Bee Network meet legal accessibility requirements.

Sensory Information

The event space is brightly lit.

There may be background noise from conversations and the nearby café.

Earplugs and noise-reducing headphones are welcome.

A quiet space is available should you need a break.

There will be a five-minute access break before the styling competition begins.

Participants are welcome to stand, stretch, move around or take breaks whenever needed.

Refreshments and Allergies

The café will be open throughout the event, serving drinks and snacks.

If you have any food allergies or dietary requirements, please speak directly to café staff before purchasing refreshments.

Accessibility Contact

If you have any questions about accessibility before the event, please contact:

Neve Carnes

Volunteer Resourcing and Engagement Coordinator

Email: ncarnes1@oxfam.org.uk

Telephone: 0161 641 3950

Description supplied by the event organiser.