FAREWELL TO A FASHION LEGEND
FASHION Week is always eventful – as the juggernaut moves from Milan to New York and London, culminating in the glamorous French capital, Paris – and this season was no different.
The biggest story has to be the passing of one of the most influential, inspirational and celebrated designers of all time, Creative Director of
Chanel and
Fendi, Karl Lagerfeld.
His personal monochrome image of high collared shirts paired with fingerless gloves and dark sunglasses was almost as famous as his professional pursuits.
As a designer Lagerfeld revolutionised Chanel and made it the most covetable brand on the planet.
After taking the reigns back in 1983, he was a huge personality full of magnificent quotations.
At times he had an acerbic tongue but that was eclipsed by his creative brilliance.
The loss to the fashion world is huge and I don’t imagine we will see a multi-faceted genius quite like him again.
Dame Vivienne Westwood, whose own tribute to Lagerfeld was heartfelt and humble, showed her latest collection in London last week.
Never one to miss an opportunity to make a political point, she used the runway as a sartorial rally, with climate change and corporate greed once again her target. Placard toting models were led around the catwalk by actress Rose McGowan, the woman now best known for having the courage to speak out against disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, which in turn kicked off the #metoo and #timesup movement.
Her presence was an unspoken statement of support from Westwood as McGowan has faced widespread criticism in recent months.
Westwood likes to let people know she isn’t afraid. She’s a force to be reckoned with, a talented designer, a hugely successful business woman and activist.
I couldn’t admire her more for using her platform in fashion to share her message.
There really is nothing quite like a Dame.