“Equinox” 2026: Astra Collective Welcome Spring in Style

Saturday, March 21st – a day that welcomed both the 2026 spring Equinox and the final Astra Collective runway show of 25/26. Coincidence? Absolutely not. Claiming to open the beginning of the warmer months with renewal, balance, and most importantly a breath of fresh air, the show marked the end of this year’s committee's reign with a celebration of creative innovation here in York. 

Having attended both the S/S‘24 and A/W ‘25 Astra Collective shows (both held in the magnificent Central Hall), our expectations were, of course, set high. With the AW “Fuscia” runway event raising over £6,000 for The Pink Ribbon Foundation, it’s clear that the committee aim high with their vision. Equinox, though, was a little different - straying from the well-loved venue of Central Hall and instead inviting its guests, designers, and models to a beautiful runway set in the grounds of Heslington Hall. 

The chosen charity for Equinox was Brook, a national charity bringing awareness to sexual health and wellbeing. It supports young people with free, confidential services, offering education about consent, identity and body confidence, and the committee highlighted how this mission aligns with the balance and becoming of Equinox. 

A warm spring sunshine lit the day with everything that Equinox deemed to represent - growth, renewal, and vibrancy. We saw this as a perfect opportunity to showcase our own spring wardrobes, sporting midi skirts, boots, and of course, slim sunglasses. Spring had truly sprung!

While all eighteen of the highly talented designers brought their own unique charm to the show, there were definitely some standouts which we have to mention. Proving that second-hand pieces can hold their own on the runway, Florable fashion (@florablefashion) showcased their Spring/Summer collection, giving us a taste of the 90s/00s silhouettes we just can't get enough of. The highlights included a hot pink polka-dot midi dress and a turquoise top which had a mermaid-esque feel when the sequins hit the sun. 

Two looks from @florablefashion 

One of Uni of York's own designers, Emily Jane (@stitchedbyemilyjane), presented a trio of pink and green looks. All were the epitome of the coming season with ruffles and bubble skirts reminiscent of blooming spring flowers. We loved the tiered gradient dress and the asymmetric waistline of the corset really solidified its place as a showstopper for us. 

The looks from designer Julie May Richardson (@juliemayricharson) also caught our eye. The contrast between the blue open knit jumper and the denim and tartan patchwork skirt worked perfectly, and had a punkish vibe compared to the abundance of floral patterns we'd seen so far. 

Left: @stitchedbyemilyjane, right: @juliemayrichardson

We were obsessed with the corset and skirt by Twiggy Portfolio (@twiggyportfolio), especially styled with the fur boots. The panel running down the centre of the pieces adorned images of historic buildings that appeared almost like a stained glass window, and felt very fitting for a fashion show held in York! The show concluded with two striking and subversive dresses by designer Megan Haigh (@meganhaighfashion). We couldn't help but think how well they paid homage to the Equinox, echoing the transition between dark and light as winter turns into spring. 

@twiggyportfolio

@meganhaighfashion closing the show beautifully!

The end of the event showcased a final walkthrough including all models from the show - a moment which really took our breath away as they circled the pond one final time. 

The Equinox show raised just over £2,000 for Brook, and more information on the charity can be found at https://www.brook.org.uk/. What a beautiful way to celebrate the successes of the Astra committee this year, and welcome in a new season of growth and light.

All photos by Ben Liang and Josh Bibby.