LONDON (AFP) – From the chic of Petar Petrov to the playful colours of Molly Goddard and the unabashed glamour of Halpern, different aspects of femininity lit up London Fashion Week on Saturday (Feb 15), unlike the barbed-wire dresses worn by Extinction Rebellion protesters outside.
Dozens of demonstrators blocked the road near the main building hosting the catwalk shows, which began on Friday and continue until Tuesday.
"We started by blocking the road, four people were wearing barbed wire dresses and attached themselves to the ground," XR spokeswoman Sara Arnold, 33, told AFP.
"The system is based on obsolescence, exploitation and overproduction. This affects the planet, the people, the animals. It needs systemic change."
It is not the first time "XR" activists have targeted fashion week, having covered themselves in fake blood and tied themselves to the entrance at last September's event.
The movement sent a letter on Monday to the industry lobby group British Fashion Council asking them to cancel London's fashion week in September.
Conscious of the accusations, the industry is this week showcasing its efforts in an exhibition dedicated to "positive fashion".
FLARES AND THIN BELTS
Many designers concerned about the impact of fashion on the environment are choosing to use renewable or recycled materials and support local craftsmanship.
But environmental activists believe this is not enough and that urgent action is needed.
The protest took place on the second day of Fashion Week, which saw the first London show of Petar Petrov, who presented his women's autumn/winter 2020/21 collection.
The designer, whose brand has just celebrated its 10th anniversary, unveiled the elegant and sobre collection in the surroundings of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) listed headquarters located near Regent's Park.
The collection was marked by extra long flared sleeves and wide trouser suits held in place by thin belts.
Versatility was key, with coats worn as dresses and scarf necks and draped jackets that can be tied in different ways.
'GREW UP WITHOUT ELEGANCE'
"I grew up without elegance, I grew up in a socialistic town and everyone had the same," said the designer, who grew up in Bulgaria and the Ukraine with his tailor mother.
He inherited her love of fabrics, a legacy that has become central to the company's ethos.
By contrast, Molly Goddard brought bright colours and fun to the catwalk, with candy-pink tulle dresses and frills on display.
The 31-year-old Briton said she was inspired by her childhood and visiting London's vintage markets.
"It was sort of the starting point for my collection, my childhood near Portobello market, it was such a fun area," she said after the show, explaining that Read More – Source
LONDON (AFP) – From the chic of Petar Petrov to the playful colours of Molly Goddard and the unabashed glamour of Halpern, different aspects of femininity lit up London Fashion Week on Saturday (Feb 15), unlike the barbed-wire dresses worn by Extinction Rebellion protesters outside.
Dozens of demonstrators blocked the road near the main building hosting the catwalk shows, which began on Friday and continue until Tuesday.
"We started by blocking the road, four people were wearing barbed wire dresses and attached themselves to the ground," XR spokeswoman Sara Arnold, 33, told AFP.
"The system is based on obsolescence, exploitation and overproduction. This affects the planet, the people, the animals. It needs systemic change."
It is not the first time "XR" activists have targeted fashion week, having covered themselves in fake blood and tied themselves to the entrance at last September's event.
The movement sent a letter on Monday to the industry lobby group British Fashion Council asking them to cancel London's fashion week in September.
Conscious of the accusations, the industry is this week showcasing its efforts in an exhibition dedicated to "positive fashion".
FLARES AND THIN BELTS
Many designers concerned about the impact of fashion on the environment are choosing to use renewable or recycled materials and support local craftsmanship.
But environmental activists believe this is not enough and that urgent action is needed.
The protest took place on the second day of Fashion Week, which saw the first London show of Petar Petrov, who presented his women's autumn/winter 2020/21 collection.
The designer, whose brand has just celebrated its 10th anniversary, unveiled the elegant and sobre collection in the surroundings of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) listed headquarters located near Regent's Park.
The collection was marked by extra long flared sleeves and wide trouser suits held in place by thin belts.
Versatility was key, with coats worn as dresses and scarf necks and draped jackets that can be tied in different ways.
'GREW UP WITHOUT ELEGANCE'
"I grew up without elegance, I grew up in a socialistic town and everyone had the same," said the designer, who grew up in Bulgaria and the Ukraine with his tailor mother.
He inherited her love of fabrics, a legacy that has become central to the company's ethos.
By contrast, Molly Goddard brought bright colours and fun to the catwalk, with candy-pink tulle dresses and frills on display.
The 31-year-old Briton said she was inspired by her childhood and visiting London's vintage markets.
"It was sort of the starting point for my collection, my childhood near Portobello market, it was such a fun area," she said after the show, explaining that Read More – Source
