February 12, 2022 |
Amidst all the glamour of fashion week, it’s easy to forget the harsh realities of our industry. It is vital we uplift the changemakers who are ensuring fashion is a safer industry on a global scale. The new Fashion Revolution exposition in London proves that the dialogue around fashion’s flaws can lead to creativity flourishing.
The new exposition by Fashion Open Studio, Showcase With a Difference, will open in London’s East Village on February 11. Its aim? To provoke discussions concerning worldwide textile production. It will feature workshops and presentations, created by ten different designers, including Ifeani Okwuadi, winner of the Hyères Fashion Festival 2022 Grand Prix, under the art direction of Matthew Needham.
As Orsola de Castro – Fashion Revolution’s global creative director – observed, the industry is “using a system that is no longer fit for purpose”. The designers taking part in the exposition, no matter how diverse their practices are, all search for better alternatives. From Martina Spetlova’s innovative metal-free leather production process, to Joao Maraschin’s celebration of crocheting, they cross the lines between craftsmanship and activism.
In the spirit of community, you can engage creatively during workshops. Weaving with Rahemur Rahman will lead to you gaining insight into Bangladeshi culture and the influence of community on creative work, and upcycling with Revival London could show you unexpected ties between denim and feminism.
“From clothes-recycling-disco-workshops to thought-provoking exhibitions about building life on Mars, we’ve brought innovators in fashion and design into the space for East Village residents and wider East London communities to learn from and engage with,” says Richard Allen, project manager of The Lab E20, the exposition’s space. Fortunately, no interstellar travels are needed to challenge yourself. All it takes is a tube ride to the East Village.
“Showcase With a Difference” is open until February 27, 2022 at The Lab E20 3-4 East Park Walk, East Village, London E20 1JB. All events will be free. For precise schedule and bookings, please click here.
Rahemur Rahman
Soup Archive
Renate Brenha
Martina Spetlova
Anciela's designs
