THUNDEROUS applause gave way to stunned silence last November when Oxford Fashion Week organisers announced the sell-out Sheldonian show would be its last.

But fashionistas everywhere – except those still trapped in copper corsets – can breathe a sigh of relief: in a dramatic U-turn, the event will return to Oxford next month.

Aspiring models are being sought at a casting next Tuesday, and the weekend itself, seemingly back in all its original sartorial splendour, will run from March 7 to 12.

Director Carl Anglim said: “We’re back, and we’re really excited about it. We thought we would bring it to an end after the Sheldonian to expand internationally, but the problem was that we woke up the next day and had loved it so much.

“Everyone was asking why we didn’t keep doing it. So we thought, if people had enjoyed it, why not?”

The usual line-up of events, including a bloggers’ preview party, a speaker at the Turl Street Kitchen, and popular upcycling event ReFashion will all return.

Runway shows will this year be held at the Ashmolean Museum and will include a mixture of ready-to-wear and high-fashion garments.

Mr Anglim said: “The 9pm show is our headlining, black-tie production with some simply awesome designers. There are some from London and from New York.

“They are cutting-edge. One designer, Sabina Saga, has a collection that is entirely 3D-printed.

“Oxford has a collection of world-class institutions and the Ashmolean and the Sheldonian are the natural places for our runway shows.

“When you see these designs coming down the runway you think ‘Some of these designs could be in the Ashmolean’; it’s a reflection of what designers thought at the time.”

Following a sparkling launch reception on Monday, March 7, there will be a fashion illustration workshop on the Wednesday, Re-Fashion workshops and bloggers’ previews on Thursday and a speaker event with a former Vogue fashion photographer on Friday. Runway shows will be held on the Saturday night.

Oxford Fashion Week has run since 2009 and has long been seen as a platform for talented new fashion designers from Oxfordshire and further afield.

Last year organisers rebranded as Oxford Fashion Studio and began to exhibit internationally, from Paris and London to Houston and New York.

Open model castings for shows in Oxford and Paris are being held next Tuesday, from 4pm to 7pm at The Varsity Club, High Street.

All are welcome, regardless of experience, but models should be aged at least 16, wear fitted clothing and bring heels if they are female.

For more information or to pre-register visit oxfordfashionstudio.com/opportunities/models or for general information visit oxfordfashionweek.com