As one of the last shows to be seen at PFW, Vivienne Westwood had another chance to make a statement via fashion as her latest SS16 collection centres on raising awareness of the crisis of global warming.
Her show was given the appropriate name of Mirror the World. Displaying how the world is shown and also mixing in influences from Carnival in the choices of fabric and makeup. It was a masquerade on the runway, all displaying the classic trophes and inflections Westwood deploys in her designs.
The summer aspect of the show truly came through in the plant life-themed designs that seemed to be growing out of the models and the skimpy swimsuits worn down the runway. However there were a few more wearable outfit choices within the collection that adhered more to the carnival theme and were found in either a bright choice of colour or pattern.
This collection was not purely about clothing. It was an example where a designer tries to use their public influence to help spread public awareness. Westwood will be holding a public protest in London in November to continue to spread her message.
by Anna Coughlan
Images Courtesy of Vivienne Westwood PR