Why we should be proud of the British Fashion Industry
Reliving London Fashion Week AW17.
It’s just turned 6.35pm. I’m sat in one of Peckham’s newish café’s (the Peckham Pelican to be exact) that I never knew existed until I returned from university. The ‘Old Fashioned’ cocktail I’ve just consumed on the happy hour menu is starting to take effect (I’m actually onto my third one — happy times). Nevertheless, its finally time for another FWRD publication.
As I reflect on the past month (which has been quite eventful) I’m reminded of London Fashion Week and the photograph I took for the Taka Naka Autumn/Winter 2017–18 team (see above). Initially bashful and unsuspecting, I’m glad that I was invited to take the photo — even if the camera was super intimidating. In the midst of all the press, photographers, textiles and models I was reminded of one very important fact — fashion plays a pivotal role in British design and we should be very proud of it!
Looking at the illustrious institutions all the exhibitors originated from; Central St. Martins and the Royal College of Art to name a few, I found myself admiring the collections of designers who, after a moment's thought, are exactly like myself. Having studied Illustration at the University of Brighton I’m very familiar with the exhibition process. To witness the work of designers I could have rubbed shoulders with filled me with a sense of perspective, followed quickly with a shameless sense of British pride.
The Fashion Industry accounts for the majority of the British creative sector. Countless designers originated from the schools that the institute was intended to support. To witness the progress of some of our course mates should remind us that events such as Fashion Week are intended to celebrate the hard work of students very much like ourselves.
So to conclude I am no fashionista, or expert in the fashion industry. I’m not even particularly stylish. But I am a product of the British creative education system and after finally making it into a Fashion Week event (thanks to you FWRD) I can happily say that I’m excited to be a member of such an artistic alumni. Not of any particular school, but rather one that reflects the British creative institution as a whole. And you never know — maybe someone contributing to FWRD can go on to achieve even greater things in the world of fashion! visit www.georgeokello.com to see more of my work.
Contact: georgebaiyelo@gmail.com
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