Marking the 40th anniversary of the end of the Welsh miners’ strikes, the “Victory to the Miners” runway show is a heartfelt tribute to Wales’ rich industrial heritage. At the same time, it shines a spotlight on the future of sustainable fashion. Proceeds from ticket sales, along with additional donations collected during the evening, will support City Hospice, a charity close to our hearts.
The event promises an unforgettable experience for its 300 expected attendees. Doors open at 7:00 PM with a live, stripped-back performance by Swansea-based band Subterrania, setting the tone for an evening of reflection and celebration. At 8:30 PM, the runway show will begin, presented bilingually by Rhydian Bowen Phillips, a beloved presenter for the BBC, S4C, and Cardiff City Football Club.
The show will feature the latest Cambrensis products, as well as an exclusive collaborative collection with Welsh sustainable streetwear designer Nia Jade. Crafted in Wales, these pieces seamlessly blend heritage craftsmanship with modern design sensibilities. The evening will conclude with an exclusive drinks and networking session, featuring a DJ set by the incredible Katie Owen.
In this insightful podcast, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Cambrensis founder Ioan Bowen-Pickett. During our conversation, Ioan shared the inspiring story behind the creation of his brand, delving into its deep Welsh roots and the cultural heritage that shapes every design. He also opened up about the brand’s commitment to sustainability, from the use of specialist fabrics and pigments to the production of limited-edition collections that honour significant Welsh landmarks.
Looking ahead, Ioan revealed exciting plans for the future of Cambrensis, including upcoming collaborations, expanding their reach beyond Wales, and continuing to innovate while staying true to the brand’s ethos of timeless design and responsible craftsmanship. This podcast offers a unique glimpse into the mind of a visionary designer who is redefining contemporary Welsh fashion.
The event will welcome a stellar lineup of notable guests, adding cultural significance and cross-industry appeal to the occasion. Highlights include:
Pastel: A Swansea-based band that supported Liam Gallagher at Knebworth.
Mathew Pritchard: Star and co-creator of MTV UK’s Dirty Sanchez.
Tony Rivers: Author of Magnetic.
Cullan Mais: Host of The Central Club podcast.
These guests, among others, underscore the event’s importance as a meeting point of creativity, heritage, and contemporary culture.
Cambrensis is a Welsh heritage menswear brand rooted in the values of heritage, style, and identity. Our mission is to bring Welsh culture to the forefront of modern fashion. Earlier this year, in February 2024, we proudly showcased our ‘Merthyr’ SS24 collection at London Fashion Week, earning widespread acclaim.
The “Victory to the Miners” show is poised to surpass even that achievement. Our vision is to create the most significant fashion-related event Wales has ever seen, uniting creativity, community, and purpose under one roof.
Cambrensis (meaning ‘Of Wales’ in Latin) is a men’s apparel brand established in 2022. Born in Wales, the fashion house specialises in creating exclusive garments crafted with specialist fabrics and pigments.
The Cambrensis icon, featuring a ‘Cambrian Type No.1 Miners Safety Lamp,’ symbolises the rich history of Wales, which serves as the brand’s enduring inspiration. All garments are produced in limited-edition batches, with each collection named after a place of significance in Wales. Embracing a timeless, less seasonal approach to fashion, Cambrensis prioritises sustainability and aims to eliminate waste.
Each garment’s design, fabric, and pigment are meticulously developed in South Wales by Ioan Bowen-Pickett, before being responsibly crafted at our workshops.
