While at first glance this may look like an angry animal rights activist protesting fur on the runway, this is actually a model from Vivienne Westwood's Fall 2008 show.
Part of the British designer's collection shown at London Fashion Week included a model in tattered black tights with what looked like a bikini bottom, a long sleeved tee with pin-on buttons and a pair of yellow gloves who was waving a sign that read, "Fair trial my arse!"
The rest of Westwood's collection had a full on heroin chic look. I say chic to be nice. The models looked like they were on death's door, like they had had a really rough night of partying and it is now 2 p.m. the next day, and they're still lurking around alleys in the streets of London looking for their next fix. They had bags under their eyes, viciously dark lips and skin so pale it was nearly blue, similar to skim milk in the right light.
"Fifteen years ago no one would have predicted such an incendiary nutcase would ever survive in business, let alone live to swish a wearable collection of in-demand Westwood-isms in the face of her gainsayers," Style.com said of the designer. "But that was what it was: a lineup of pinstripe tailoring, tartan kilts, knits, and coats with rounded lapels stamped with the baggy-hemmed, asymmetric hallmarks of the Westwood classic."
Return of Heroin Chic
Vivienne Westwood Red Label
Trend Themes
1. Heroin Chic Fashion - Opportunity for designers to create fashion collections that embody the edgy and controversial aesthetic of heroin chic.
2. Disruptive Runway Shows - Potential for fashion shows to challenge traditional beauty standards and provoke societal discussions through unconventional presentations.
3. Controversial Design Elements - Demand for fashion pieces that incorporate provocative and thought-provoking design elements to make a bold statement.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion Design - Fashion designers can explore the heroin chic trend and incorporate edgy elements into their collections to capture the attention of avant-garde consumers.
2. Event Management - Event planners can embrace disruptive runway show concepts to create memorable fashion events that challenge norms and generate buzz in the industry.
3. Marketing and Branding - Opportunity for marketing and branding professionals to leverage controversial design elements to create captivating campaigns that provoke conversations and build brand awareness.