Catwalk Queen: London Fashion Week On|Off Schedule: Darfur Exhibition

Browse by:

Get daily news round-up

« Buy Elizabeth Hurley's safety pin Versace dress | Main | Alicia Silverstone gets naked for PETA »

London Fashion Week On|Off Schedule: Darfur Exhibition

Far be it from us to take any of the fun out of fashion, but when it comes to making a political statement, designers seem to be in a much better position to make a credible political comment than say, a novelty pop song or coloured rubber wrist band (remember them?). At London Fashion Week’s On|Off tent, the charitable focus this year is on the Darfur crisis (check out Laura's entry from earlier this month here). Rather than making a corny slogan shirt or giving away badges, the organisers have asked twelve international designers to each create a unique and thought provoking piece to display during the event.

Amongst the designers are established names such as Allegra Hicks and Berube, as well as newcomers Jacob Kimmie and Kalikas Armour. At the end of the week, the pieces will be auctioned off, with all proceeds going to medical aid agency, Merlin, who are currently looking after mobile medical teams in Darfur. With just £25 being enough to help shelter a homeless family in Darfur, here’s hoping generous fashionistas put in plenty of bids and raise a substantial amount for this worthwhile cause.

During the On|Off Schedule launch party, we checked out some of the best designs. However for some reason, the organisers had chosen not to label the pieces, so we’re not exactly sure which piece belongs to who! They’re all fabulous though, and for such a worthy cause, do labels really matter?

RICHARD SORGER: "I’m not a political person and I’m wary of fashion designers making overt political statements. I wanted to create a seductive piece that will get the wearer complimented. And the compliment might lead to a question about the garment’s imagery. This allows for the subject of Darfur to be raised and discussed. It is only through raising awareness, one person at a time, that the possibility of help or resolution becomes more hopeful. The imagery is like a tourist’s map -‘you are here’- though fortunately, you’re not."

BERUBE: "I’ve decided to take part in On|Off’s Darfur initiative because I am appalled by the lack of exposure in the media concerning this catastrophic humanitarian crisis. My design explores issues of homelessness and exile. Despite the many problems that affect people in Darfur - disease, violence, hunger to name but a few - being without a home is a wound that leaves indelible marks not only for families living through the conflict but for generations to come. I’ve decided to feature a bag because it is a bit of a signature at bërubë, and perfectly symbolizes these issues. The bag is made of the same tarpaulin that is distributed around the Darfur camps for shelter."

JACOB KIMMIE: "I was born in South Africa and I know all too well how cheap life is in Africa. I decided to take part to conceal my guilt of being in a privileged situation in the UK. My t-shirt represents Africa’s Bleeding Heart and the world’s greatest heartache."