Sustainable Fashion Show

FACT, Wood Street
30th May 2009

Reviewed by Paul Cassidy

This fashion show at FACT celebrated ‘the best in sustainable fashion and customization’. A relevant celebration indeed, as the current financial situation turns consumers away from high-end stores in favour of cheaper, more local alternatives, as well as spurring on a rise in popularity of do-it-yourself customization. Such a dismissal of expensive clothing can be seen in the closing of several fashion houses this year alone, with Number (N)ine and Veronique Branquinho being the high profile victims. Scaling down of theatrics in runway presentations, as well as a visible reduction in the luxe factor at most houses also points to fashions current victim status. In this manner the Sustainable Fashion show was both culturally relevant and appealing.

This show at FACT offered another chance for fashion design in such a climate. After a seemingly irrelevant dance presentation the show began, with customization reigning supreme throughout. Models wearing outfits created from various inexpensively obtained items; curtains, an ex-boyfriends shirt, and pajamas were most notable, amongst others paraded along the very typical runway space wearing signs displaying the origins of their clothing. Denim mock-ups also played a leading role in the show with customised skirts and jeans dominating. Most of the clothing was created through the culmination of workshops held with different groups, as well as pieces sourced from local vintage stores such as Raiders Vintage (whose selection was particularly strong).

Although the show’s presentation lacked originality, the actual clothing content more than made up for such a shortcoming. Importantly, the show embraced progression and offered examples of originality, both of which are highly revered in the fashion world.

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