London Fashion Week began on Friday with a dedication to the late Vivienne Westwood. The five-day event is a tribute to the British fashion icon who passed away in December at 81.
Westwood was famous for dressing the Sex Pistols and her rebellious designs that made her synonymous with the punk rock movement of the 1970s.
As an activist, she used her runway shows to raise awareness about important issues such as climate change and pollution and her support for Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks.
David Pemsel, Chair of the British Fashion Council, described Westwood as “the embodiment of our extraordinary industry” and stated that it was only right to dedicate the entire week to her.
On Thursday, a memorial service was held in her honour at London’s Southwark Cathedral, attended by celebrities and fashion enthusiasts.
Designer Paul Costelloe referred to James Joyce’s novel “Ulysses” for his collection and spoke fondly of Westwood, saying, “She set such a high standard, and she was fun to work with. London is empty because she is gone.”
Meanwhile, Turkish designer Bora Aksu drew inspiration from Norwegian painter Edvard Munch and the fictional character Wednesday Addams for his mainly black and white line that celebrated outcasts.
Aksu held a moment of silence for the victims of the recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria, which has claimed over 43,000 lives.
This season’s highlights include designer Daniel Lee’s debut at Burberry and a collaboration between the British Fashion Council and Ukraine Fashion Week that will feature three Ukrainian designers presenting their collections.
Natasha Bird, the Executive Editor (Digital) of ELLE UK, stressed the importance of fashion giving back, saying, “Showcasing talent that might help the initiative of improving a country post-crisis or while enduring a crisis is a great way to make sure that fashion has some worth and value beyond just the business of making clothes.”
In addition to the tribute to Vivienne Westwood, London Fashion Week showcases the latest trends and designs from top fashion designers and brands.
From the latest styles in knitwear, dresses, and suits to accessories like shawls, bonnets, and jewelry, there is something for everyone at this year’s event.
Attendees can view the collections of established and emerging designers and see the latest styles on the runway.
In addition to the fashion shows, there will also be many events and exhibitions taking place throughout the week, including panel discussions, networking opportunities, and after-parties.
With so much to see and do, London Fashion Week is a must-attend event for anyone interested in fashion, beauty, and style.
Whether you are a fashion designer, retailer, buyer, or fashion enthusiast, you will want to attend this year’s event.
So be sure to mark your calendar and get ready to be inspired by the latest trends, designs, and styles at London Fashion Week 2023.
