London Fashion Week 2021: Charli XCX Party and Sustainable Runways
London Fashion Week kicked off with a bang as high-street retailer H&M and pop star Charli XCX hosted a highly anticipated party that set the tone for a week filled with innovative fashion and sustainability initiatives. The event, which overshadowed big-name designers, was the talk of the town, with everyone clamoring for a ticket to the exclusive affair.
The collaboration between H&M and Charli XCX was met with much excitement, as it marked a departure from the traditional luxury shows that typically dominate Fashion Week. The party promised to be a night to remember, with Charli XCX and DJ Jamie XX scheduled to perform after the unveiling of the H&M campaign at a sports arena in East London. The event was dubbed the “hottest London Fashion Week ticket” by The Times, highlighting the buzz surrounding the collaboration.
Charli XCX has been at the forefront of the “brat girl summer” trend, which has taken the fashion world by storm. Her hyper-pop album “Brat” has inspired a new aesthetic and lifestyle characterized by party-girl energy and youthful anxiety. The collaboration with H&M is a testament to her influence in the fashion industry and an exciting development for London Fashion Week.
Caroline Rush, chief executive of the British Fashion Council (BFC), expressed her excitement about the collaboration, emphasizing the importance of staying relevant to younger audiences. The BFC is celebrating London Fashion Week’s 40th anniversary and is working to attract a new generation of designers and fashion enthusiasts.
Sustainability took center stage at the start of Fashion Week, with two shows focusing on second-hand clothing and promoting eco-friendly practices in the industry. Online auction platform eBay showcased its “Endless Runway” featuring pre-loved designer clothes that were sold on the platform’s live shopping platform simultaneously with the show. The Oxfam charity also made a statement with its “Style for Change” runway, partnering with second-hand online marketplace Vinted to highlight the joy and innovation of second-hand fashion.
The fashion industry’s impact on the environment has been a growing concern, with reports highlighting the need for brands to reduce their carbon footprint and adopt sustainable practices. The Collective Fashion Justice report revealed that less than four percent of BFC members have published emission reduction targets, underscoring the urgency of addressing environmental issues in the industry.
Brands like H&M, Shein, and Zara have come under scrutiny for their fast-fashion practices, which prioritize mass production over environmental and labor considerations. H&M, in an effort to position itself as a more sustainable brand, has implemented initiatives such as using recycled materials to reduce its impact on the climate. The retailer’s collaboration with Charli XCX at London Fashion Week is a step towards promoting sustainability and responsible fashion practices.
As Fashion Week continues, over 70 designers will showcase their collections, ranging from established names like JW Anderson, Erdem, and Burberry to emerging talents like Bora Aksu and Di Petsa. The event promises to be a celebration of creativity and innovation in the fashion industry, with a renewed focus on sustainable practices and ethical fashion choices.
Overall, London Fashion Week 2021 is shaping up to be a transformative event that highlights the intersection of music, fashion, and sustainability. With a mix of high-profile collaborations, sustainable runways, and innovative designs, the event is a testament to the industry’s ongoing evolution towards a more environmentally conscious and socially responsible future.