VS Creatives Fashion Show
VS Foundation: Head of Finance
The VS Foundation is a charity and creative group that has hosted over 6,000 event attendees and raised £75,000 in just over 5 years. As an official partner of The Virgil Abloh Foundation™, the VS Foundation is committed to impactful initiatives, with 100% of funds distributed to poverty relief, health, and human rights causes.
FAQs
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I served as the Head of Finance, where I developed and implemented financial strategies, managed budgets, and led fundraising efforts to support the foundation’s mission. I also collaborated with cross-functional teams to handle event logistics, negotiate vendor contracts, secure sponsorships, and develop marketing campaigns. These efforts resulted in high-impact events attended by thousands, showcasing my ability to balance strategy with execution.
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One of the key challenges I faced at the VS Foundation was managing and leading diverse teams during the planning and execution of over 15 events, including fashion shows and club nights. Each event brought its own complexities, such as coordinating with vendors, managing budgets, and ensuring smooth collaboration among a wide range of stakeholders.
To overcome these challenges, I emphasized structured leadership and clear communication. We utilized Notion as a project management tool to streamline planning, track deadlines, and assign tasks effectively. This ensured the entire team was aligned on objectives and had full visibility into the progress of each event. Additionally, I worked closely with stakeholders to anticipate and resolve potential issues, such as last-minute logistical changes or budget constraints.
By fostering collaboration, maintaining clear communication, and leveraging organizational tools like Notion, I successfully led the team to deliver high-impact events. These events collectively hosted over 4,000 attendees, strengthened community engagement, and contributed to raising £54,000 for charitable causes. This experience sharpened my leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills, proving my ability to guide teams in dynamic and high-pressure environments.
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During my time at the VS Foundation, I honed valuable skills in financial planning, leadership, and project execution. Balancing the strategic and operational sides of event management pushed me to be adaptable, think on my feet, and maintain a commitment to excellence. It also taught me the importance of combining creativity with a results-driven approach, ensuring that every decision I made led to meaningful outcomes.
This role also reinforced my ability to stay goal-oriented while inspiring others to achieve shared success. These experiences continue to shape the way I approach challenges today, and they remind me of the importance of turning vision into action.
Achievements & Contributions
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Spearheaded financial strategies for over 15 fundraising events, achieving a total of £54,000 in contributions to support various charitable initiatives.
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Implemented cost-saving measures across events, cutting expenses by 12% while maintaining quality and impact, ensuring more resources could be allocated to charitable activities.
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Played a central role in organizing and overseeing more than 15 events, including main fashion shows, hosting 4,000+ attendees with seamless operational execution.
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Successfully expanded the foundation’s sponsor network by creating tailored sponsorship packages and actively reaching out to potential sponsors. Built strong relationships with stakeholders, securing long-term partnerships and sustainable funding.
PAST EVENTS
PAST EVENTS
November 2023
The Vic
St Andrews, UK
The VS24 Launch was held at The Vic, a popular venue for club nights in St Andrews. This choice of location attracted a broader audience by creating a familiar and welcoming atmosphere for attendees. The event featured live performances, a band, and a runway walk by the models, which added an exciting visual element and showcased the creative vision of the foundation. To further increase exposure, the night included a lively after-party, keeping guests engaged and extending the celebration of the foundation’s mission.
As a sold-out event, the VS24 Launch successfully raised over £3,000 through ticket sales. It served as a key milestone in boosting brand awareness, building a stronger connection with the community, and setting the stage for future initiatives.
February 2024
Hotel Du Vin
St Andrews, UK
The Main Fashion Show in February 2024 at Hotel Du Vin, St Andrews, marked a historic milestone as the first in St Andrews to feature a disabled model, highlighting the VS Foundation’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity. Supporting Sarcoma UK, the sold-out event raised over £25,000 for charitable initiatives.
Key highlights included partnerships with local businesses like The Shawarma House and Janetta’s Gelateria, which created an exclusive ice cream flavor, "VS Velvet Swirl," to symbolize the foundation’s vibrant mission. The evening blended stunning fashion, inspiring stories, and creative collaborations, leaving a lasting impact on attendees.
“Everything about the VS25 Creatives show made it a night to remember. With its multiple shows within one, intricate choreography, and deep-rooted love, other fashion groups have a tough act to follow.”
UK Haute, A Night of Grace: A Review of VS25
“VS debuted a new and more classic look, fully transitioning from street style to classic elegance […] If their launch is any indication, the show won’t be one to miss.”
The Saint; A Night On The Town: VS Sprezzatura
“From the moment the lights dimmed, and the first model strutted down the runway, it was clear that this show was going to be special (and one for the St Andrews fashion show books!)”
UK Haute; Intimate, Fresh, & Avant-Garde 2024