Milan fashion week february 2008
..is about to finish. We clearly perceived a lack of fresh ideas.
But let’s see what happens tomorrow (new designers’ runway).
Trouble for Topshop today as War on Want demand sweatshop action
If you’re going near any branches of Topshop today, chances are you’ll find they’re a bit busier than usual. No – they haven’t slashed the cost of Kate Moss range, and there’s no magic money off coupon doing the rounds: the stores are being picketed by War on Want, a group opposed to poverty and exploitation.
This isn’t the first time that Arcadia, the umbrella organisation that owns Topshop run by Philip Green, has come under fire over human rights. In fact, today’s activity marks the one-year anniversary of a report also brought to public attention by War on Want, which claimed that Bangladeshi workers employed by the chain were paid just 5p an hour for an 80-hour week. A researcher working on behalf of War on Want said today that ‘I have kept in touch with workers from the Bangladeshi factories. Their pay and conditions have not improved’.
Philip Green, whose clothing empire makes him worth £5 billion has so far refused to comment. Back in August, he denied similar allegations about Arcadia, but today’s news would imply that little or nothing has been done to improve workers’ conditions.
via: hippyshopper (more…)
Puma x Shanghai Tang
PUMA and iconic Oriental lifestyle brand, Shanghai Tang, have once again teamed up to celebrate one of PUMA’s most celebrated women’s styles, the Lena, a limited edition footwear line.
This exclusive women’s release complements Shanghai Tang’s mission to inject modernity, sophistication and relevance into Chinese culture. It also features Shanghai Tang’s signature print and comes in two bold colors – pink & green. The black suede leather vamp on the Lena combines with the smooth satin-like textile print to create a unique look that makes a statement, yet is easy to wear.
But it is pink, very pink. We suggest that you keep it in the closet until it gets a little warmer again! These are now available at Overkill.
via: Highsnobiety
Vivienne Westwood, “Active Resistance to Propaganda” manifesto reading on December 1, 2007
HAVING had her Active Resistance to Propaganda manifesto widely panned when she presented it at this year’s Hay Literary Festival, Vivienne Westwood will be hoping it receives a warmer response in London as she prepares to take it public again. The grande dame of British political fashion will present her ideas on art and insight amid the 17th century Dutch paintings and 18th century French works of the Wallace Collection at Hertford House next month. The manifesto – a dialogue between 25 characters including Alice in Wonderland, Pinocchio, Aristotle and Whistler – will be read by Georgia May Jagger (as Alice), with other parts open to members of the public. “The most important thing about this manifesto is that it is a practice,” Westwood explains. “If you follow it your life will change. In the pursuit of culture you will start to think. If you change your life, you change the world.” Interested in giving it a go? The Active Resistance to Propaganda manifesto reading will take place at The Wallace Collection, Hertford House, Manchester Square, London, W1 at 2pm on December 1. Tickets cost £12; call 020 7563 9551 to book, or to request to play a role.
via: vogue.co.uk
Gareth Pugh: aesthetic research vs. commercial potential
Always more and more attention is dedicated to this emerging fashion designer, known for experimenting with volume and forms.
He often uses “nonsensically shaped, wearable sculptures” to “distort [..] the human body almost beyond recognition.”
Elements in his designs include PVC inflated into voluminous coats, black and white patchwork squares, Perspex discs linked like chain mail, and shiny latex masks and leggings; he has used materials including mink, parachute silk, foam footballs, afro-weave synthetic hair, and electrically charged plastic in his clothing. Pugh describes his designs as being “about the struggle between lightness and darkness, [..]“.
HSBC had the big idea to use one of his sculptures/clothes for an adv campaign last year:
It’s impossible not to say that he’s trying to be innovative, but what about the commercial aspect of being a designer?
Pugh claimed in March 2007 that he had yet to sell a single dress.
It’s important to say that until his Spring 2007 collection, his clothes were solely catwalk experiments unavailable to purchase.
Now he’s shifting to more wearable clothing.
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