As London Fashion Weekend (24th-27th September) approaches, collaborations, changes and controversy dominate the headlines. New releases have got us heading for the shops and we’ve pencilled in time in our 2016 diaries for the currently untitled, highly anticipated Vogue documentary as well as the new Chanel film.
Sophia Webster x Barbie
Our favourite provider of feminine stilettos and a rainbow colour spectrum has created a Barbie collection, which launched in Selfridges and live on her site on Thursday. We love the signature butterfly adornment, the candy pink shade and bows galore. Our childhood dreams have all been reincarnated in this nostalgic shoe range. There are six different styles to choose from – from one pair of flat shoes (even Barbie needs a day off), two pairs of trainers and three pairs of heels. We better get reaching for that piggie bank now.
Stella McCartney x PETA
PETA released shocking footage of a Patagonian wool supplier, Ovis 21, used by Stella McCartney’s fashion line. The footage shows the inhumane removal of the lambs tails and shows them being skinned alive. After this was revealed, Stella has pulled all contact with Ovis 21. McCartney prides herself on humane production of goods and refrains from using fur, leather and exotic skins in her collections. Stella is a firm supporter of PETA and was ‘deeply saddened and shocked by the cruelty on the footage, as animal welfare is at the heart of everything we do’. They are now pursuing a search for vegan wool.
BBC x Vogue
BBC Two have been granted ‘unprecedented access’ into British Vogue for a new documentary series. The two part series will look at the iconic magazine as it prepares to celebrating its centenary. The show will explore the role Vogue has played in inspiring and influencing the industry. The documentary allows back-stage access to the goings-on at the UK’s most commercially successful title. Maxine Watson, BBC’s head of documentary commissioning, said: ‘we are delighted to have this opportunity to throw open the doors of the unique world of high fashion’. And we cannot wait to see what is lurking behind those doors when it hits our screens in 2016.
Star Wars x Max Factor: The Force Awakens
And here’s a collab we were not expecting… The collection is made up of six looks created by world renowned make-up artist, Pat McGarth. The futuristic, angular looks were inspired by the themes featured in the newest Star Wars instalment. Light and dark come into focus here as we see characters exploring both sides of their persona. ‘Make-up is all about transformation and self-expression’ (Esi Eggleston-Bracey, Vice President of Global Cosmetics at P&G) and this collaboration taps into a previously unexplored range of designs. The limited edition collection is scheduled for release this winter. Expect metallics aplenty, angular lines and there is no escaping from that berry lip.
Emma Watson’s Ethical Wardrobe
Emma Watson is known for campaigning within the equality and ethical avenues, so it comes as no surprise that she is collaborating with the Green Carpet Challenge. Watson will be sporting different fashion looks in September to highlight designers that are exploring alternative materials and processes. Watson claims to have been inspired to get involved after watching the newly released feature film, The True Cost, which revealed the social and environmental impact of our clothing purchases across the globe.
Lagerfeld’s new Coco Chanel
Karl Lagerfeld has chosen Twilight star Kristen Stewart as his next Coco Chanel. Following in the footsteps of Kiera Knightley and Audrey Tautou, Stewart will be “portraying an actress slated to impersonate the designer as a young woman”. Creative director of the French fashion house, Lagerfeld took as director and script writer of the film which is set to be “a fictional, behind-the-scenes look at a yet-to-be-made biopic about founder Gabrielle Chanel”, as reported by WWD. The Chanel regular Stewart has been said to have “relished” the role, playing it “really mean”. The film will be shown at the Chanel Metiers d’Art show this December in Rome.
Fashion Week News
CFDA winners, The Row will show in Paris this season as they take their collection on the road. The Olsen sisters will move their show from New York to the french capital in a change for the American designers. Meanwhile, French fashion house Givenchy have announced they will emigrate their presentation to New York this season. As if this wasn’t change enough, the eponymous brand have also opened the show out to the public. Givenchy have allocated 1200 tickets for the show (6.30pm on September 11) to applicants, some to students of local fashion schools, through www.givenchynyfw15.com.
Emma McCormack