Utopia. Definition: an imagined place or state of things in which everything is perfect. Synonyms: Paradise, heaven, nirvana. And what paradise doesn’t involve some sort of fashion garment? There’ll be no nude-y Adam and Eve moments for us, nah, we’ll be in full look Prada when we ascend to the other side. But what’s better than a single look? Room upon room of them. A whole gallery. Which, thanks to the British Fashion Council and British Council we will no longer have to wait until we’ve conked it to indulge in – they’ll be providing us with a real-life heaven on earth during London Fashion Week when they reveal their “Fashion Utopias” exhibition at Somerset House. Marking the 500th anniversary of Thomas Moore’s “Utopia”, the West Wing will play host to over 80 emerging designers from around the world, each one tasked with presenting their perfect view of society via the medium of clothing as part of the International Fashion Showcase which happens each year. “At a time when it often seems as if we’ve plunged into a dystopian age, it’s a liberating act to think about exactly the opposite, how we would want a utopia to look like,” said Sarah Mower to WWD. “The theme set for the fifth International Fashion Showcase will bring the optimistic visions of over 80 emerging designers – we expect to see the beginnings of many careers starting right here.” The exhibition will run over the course of London Fashion Week and is open to the public. Hoorah.
Fashion Utopias: International Fashion Showcase 2016, Somerset House from 19 – 23 February 2016
design.britishcouncil.org / www.somersethouse.org.uk
