16/09/14 - London Fashion Week (LFW write up)

Street-style stand off, Sept. 2014

 Our trip to London Fashion Week was fun, exciting albeit slightly disappointing. With the hopes of capturing some really great street style, we arrived to a quieter Somerset House than expected. As it were, it appeared that we, the students, were probably the only ones worth photographing at the beginning but as the day wore on, more people appeared dressed to the nines.

At one point, we were filmed by ITV talking with disabled model Chelsea Jay about the use of disabled models in the fashion industry and the lack of representation there was for her and others like herself. Whilst everything that was said and discussed in the interview made me stop and think (to the point where I just didn't have anything to say on camera, I was too engrossed in my own thoughts), one thing Chelsea said has stuck. She mentioned that what she and other disabled models are in is a vicious cycle. Brands state they would hire disabled models were they available. They wonder where they can find such models when agencies refuse to represent them. The agencies on the other hand argue that because disabled models don't find work, it would be pointless to sign and represent any of them. It was this back and forth name blame game that really got me thinking.

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I headed to Dover Street Market another day as I wanted to go with a clear head at a time where I wasn't thinking so much about the people I'd seen at LFW. I've been to Dover Street Market numerous times as it's home to some great designers. What's more is that I love how it's a hub for the craziest designs imaginable. I still remember the time where I found Comme Des Garcons' AW12 collection there and couldn't quite bring my head around the overgrown felt 2D shapes in front of me, hanging up on hangers because they were... garments of clothing? The whole thing seemed bizarre to me at the time. 

My favourite thing about Dover Street Market however has got to be the people that frequent the store. Whilst not everyone is there to purchase something, I find that those that visit are often as interestingly dressed as those that can buy the clothing the store sells and more often than once have I fallen in love with something on a customer rather than on a mannequin. For me, Dover Street Market is a small, creative atmosphere where the clothing isn't just an inspiration but also the people.