LFW Feb 2019: Design Diversity is Right Here

As school children nationwide took to the streets to demand action on climate change London Fashion Week also opened to a series of protest marches at various points throughout the day.

First up size diversity campaigners rocked up to the main hub situated on The Strand with placards saying ‘So Much More Than Our Measurements’ and ‘Fashion Should Empower Us’. PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) showed up next to demonstrate the cruelty involved in the wool industry. And that wasn’t all, as the day proceeded with a ‘Trans-Inclusivity on the Catwalk’ march while the Australian Embassy across the road was holding a vigil to highlight a massacre of kangaroos. It seems we’ve got a lot on our minds!

Officially opening on Friday 15^th February Stephanie Phair, Chairman of the British Fashion Council (BFC), discussed how the BFC has partnered with BBC Earth –responsible for Blue Planet – and Mother of Pearl Designer Amy Powney to highlight to consumers the importance of sustainability through mindful consumerism. While Caroline Rush CBE, Chief Executive, British Fashion Council, was keen to add that despite all the confusion and discussion over Brexit, the BFC is proud to support the Mayor’s campaign #LondonisOpen. “It is incredibly important that we all get the message out to our guests from 49 countries that we are open for business, collaboration, not just now but for the long term.  Our businesses like our industry and our city remain global.”

(Image right courtesy of the BFC: Caroline Rush and Stephanie Phair with Adwoa Aboah)

With over 100 catwalk shows, presentations and events there was indeed something for everyone, highlights from day 1 included: Blue denim, bold checks, unisex sweaters and oversized quilted jackets at Jamie Wei Huang; lean, linear and rather elegant tailoring from Marta Jakubowski and signature jacquard and braiding in denim, wool and knit at XU ZHI. Elsewhere the University of Westminster showcased a diverse selection of BA fashion design talent coming through, tailoring and print looking particularly strong from Jade Goodwin and Georgia Fallon respectively. The day was rounded off with a beautiful collection that oozed timeless quality from the long-established cashmere and woollens brand Johnstons of Elgin. Diversity is right here and London has it by the bucket load.

Jamie Wei Huang images by Chris Daw

Protest images and words by JoJo Iles