All eyes were on London as Spring
Summer 2013 Fashion Week commenced, designer; Philip Treacy caused a stir in
the fashion world. Considering this was his first show in London in 12 years,
he definitely came back with a bang! Treacy who is known for dressing the heads
of the Royal’s and societies elite in particular last year’s royal wedding, broke
the mould and used all black models in his SS13 runway show. Some of you may
think that this is not a big deal, but it is apparent there are two big issues
that plague the fashion industry, one of them weight and the other race, so it
was refreshing, empowering and inspiring to see a strong army of 25 black women
strutting down Treacy runway to the memorable beats of Michael Jackson
showcasing his most iconic stage outfits.
 |
Lady Gaga pictured in the
middle alongside models
Credit-Jason-LloydEvans |
Even though Lady Gaga opened the show fully draped in a pink veil, the real focus was on the inspiring black models used from; Leonie Anderson, Betty Adewole and Jourdan Dunn not to mention Naomi Campbell, Alek Wek and Grace Jones just to name a few. Treacy only explanation of the choice to use solely black women in the show; ‘was a homage to the African woman and their sensibility to dress up’’ (Source Evening Standard) not that it really needed an explanation, but nicely said indeed. One of the most memorable pieces from his collection would have to be the oversized fascinators, hand shaped in Swarovski encrusted jewelled hand modelled by Alek Wek, and Jourdan Dunn in a trombone mouth piece.
 |
| Vogue Italia - 'All Black' Issue |
As this is Black History Month in the UK, it is important we celebrate and recognise achievements such as these. It is apparent women and men of colour are under-represented in the fashion industry, while we praise Treacy for stepping out of the norm and Vogue Italia for their ‘All Black Issue’ the real sign of progress is when begin to see black women and men integrated into the runway on a regular basis, rather than it being a sense of tokenism. So designers and fashionistas take note and follow the trend for Autumn Winter 2013 Fashion Week.
 |
Jourdun Dunn Trombone Piece – Source: Gareth
Cattermole/Getty Images Europe
|
 |
Michael Jacksons I=iconic stage outfit, exact jacket worn by
model – Credit-Jason-Lloyd-Evans
|
 |
| Alek Wek Pictured in Swarovski encrusted hand fascinator |
 |
| Say cheese, models rocking eccentric Treacy pieces and memorable MJ's stage outfits - Credit - Jason Lloyd Evans |
