London Fashion Week: How did this season’s event fare in terms of sustainability?
This season’s London Fashion Week has seen many designers bring sustainability to the forefront of their collections, championing an eco-conscious mindset. As Tommy Hilfiger said in his recent interview with The Independent, “In two to three years if a brand is not sustainable, it will be out of business”.
But as fashion brands continue to reap the benefits of customers buying more and more (a 2019 Oxfam study found the quantity of new clothes bought in the UK produce more carbon emissions per minute than driving a car around the circumference of the Earth six times) can they really claim to be in any way environmentally friendly?
There are some who believe there is no place for fashion week because of its detrimental impact on the environment. On Saturday Extinction Rebellion held a demonstration at London Fashion Week calling for the biannual event to be cancelled. The initiative explained on the Facebook event page that the clothing industry “accounts for 7 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, almost the same as the total emissions of the EU”.
And yet, the show went on, showcasing an array of designers who claim to be committed towards reducing their carbon footprint. Mulberry presented its recently-launched “100 per cent sustainable leather bag”, the profits of which are being donated to the World Land Trust. Meanwhile, accessories designer Anya Hindmarch filled her London stores with 90,000 plastic bottles to represent the number of bottles purchased globally every six seconds.
Over the course of the five-day event, The Independent’s Lifestyle team were driven to and fro in a Volvo hybrid car, which runs on 100 per cent battery when fully charged. While we would have cycled or walked from catwalk to catwalk, doing so may not have been the most practical feat during London Fashion Week, when the streets are swarming with fashion designers, stylists and photographers alike.
So how did this season’s London Fashion Week fare in terms of sustainability? Watch the video above to find out.
During a recent interview with The Independent, model Edie Campbell commented on whether she believes London Fashion Week should be cancelled.
Campbell explained that in her opinion, it wouldn’t make sense to ask “a whole industry to disappear”.
“It’s impossible and not feasible,” the 29-year-old said. “The whole industry has to go through a sea of change and I think it’s really difficult to see how that will happen.”
Campbell added that she finds it “really problematic” and “uncreative” when people claim to care about the environment but fly around the world to destination shows.
“So everyone got off their flights and had a carbon-neutral water bottle. The irony is almost suffocating,” she said.
1/52 Billy Porter
The Pose star attended the Christopher Kane show at London Fashion Week wearing a spring-themed floral coat, donning a block coloured top underneath and a pair of heeled boots.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
2/52 Eve
The rapper donned a Christopher Kane ‘Techno Sexual’ T-shirt for the fashion show, completing her look with a frilled skirt and cut-out heeled shoes.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
3/52 Alexa Chung
The fashion designer took heed of the oversized sartorial trend, opting for a large black blazer and black kitten heels.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
4/52 Sinéad Burke
The writer and activist wore a floral skirt and black top for the Christopher Kane runway, layering with a tan overcoat and accessorising with a pair of red, suede heels.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
5/52 Sheila Atim
The actor and model oozed glamour in a black frilled dress, adding a burst of colour with a red lip.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
6/52 Sinéad Burke and Sheila Atim
The pair posed together as they sat at the Christopher Kane show.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
7/52 Eve, Honey Dijon and Billy Porter
The trio were captured sitting by the catwalk.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
8/52 Naomi Ackie
The Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker actor looked opulent in a white, structured coat with a feathered trims down the arms, wearing black trousers underneath.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
9/52 Zawe Ashton and Alison Sudol
The actors stood out on the ‘frow’, Ashton in a coral, satin gown and Sudol in a black starry skirt, white shirt and carrying striking red handbag.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
10/52 Pixie Geldof
The model decided to go down the casual route for London Fashion Week, wearing a graphic sweater, pale blue jeans and black heeled boots for the Christopher Kane showcase.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
11/52 Takashi Murakami, Anja Rubik, Holli Rogers and Edward Enninful
The contemporary artist, supermodel, BrownsFashion.com CEO and British Vogue editor-in-chief were sat together on the front row for the International Woolmark Prize 2020 at London Fashion Week.
Photo by Joe Maher/Getty Images for Woolmark
12/52 Edward Enninful, Sinéad Burke and Hamish Bowles
Enninful, Burke and Bowles posed for the camera at the International Woolmark Prize 2020.
Photo by Joe Maher/Getty Images for Woolmark
13/52 Sigrid
The singer mastered the denim-on-denim trend wearing a pair of dark blue jeans and an embellished denim jacket, completing her look with a pair of black and white heels and a white top.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
14/52 Sheila Atim, Jessie Ware and Maxim Magnus
The actor, singer and model were sat together at the Christopher Kane show.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
15/52 Naomi Shimada
The model and author dressed vibrantly for the Christopher Kane show, standing out in a bright, pink coat.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
16/52 Maisie Williams and Reuben Selby
The Game of Thrones star and her boyfriend, the co-founder of modelling agency Contact Agency, attended the Christopher Kane show together, Williams in a black mini dress.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
17/52 Jourdan Dunn
The model opted for a patterned, ensemble for her appearance on the front row.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
18/52 Jessie Ware
The singer dressed in black and silver for the Christopher Kane catwalk, opting for minimal accessories.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
19/52 James Norton
The Little Women actor dressed down for the Christopher Kane show, going for an all-black ensemble with a burst of green.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
20/52 Imogen Poots
The That Awkward Moment star looked intergalactic in her London Fashion Week outfit, wearing a pair of wide-legged red trousers, a graphic T-shirt and red, tassled heels.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
21/52 Honey Dijon
The DJ and producer, who is highly-regarded for her sartorial style, appeared at the Christopher Kane show wearing an all-black ensemble, save for a pair of bright, white shoes.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
22/52 Grace Carter
The singer songwriter put her best first foot in a pair of white boots and a black, starry night dress.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
23/52 Erin O’Connor, Alexa Chung and Pixie Geldof
O’Connor, Chung and Geldof appeared at ease as they were pictured together on the ‘frow’.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
24/52 Erin O’Connor
The model showed off her chosen ensemble for London Fashion Week, which featured a blue, white and silver pleated gown and a black blazer.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
25/52 Viscountess Emma Weymouth
The star looked elegant in a black lace and white dress at the Christopher Kane show, carrying a purse embossed with the slogan ‘More Joy’.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
26/52 Edward Enninful and Dena Giannini
The editor-in-chief and style director of British Vogue were pictured together on the front row for Christopher Kane.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
27/52 Derek Blasberg, Zawe Ashton, Naomi Ackie, James Norton, Imogen Poots and Alison Sudol
The stars made for a fashionable ensemble as they were captured taking their seats for the show.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
28/52 Caroline Daur
The fashion blogger and model refrained from adding any colour to her Fashion Week look, dressing in white and black for the Christopher Kane catwalk.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
29/52 Anna Wintour
The Vogue editor-chief removed her signature sunglasses while sitting on the front row at the Erdem show, wearing a floral, high-neck dress and a suede coat.
PA
30/52 Charlie XCX
The singer was all about the frills at the Erdem catwalk, donning an eye-catching floral dress and black boots.
PA
31/52 Alexa Chung
The fashion designer went for an understated look in a polka dot dress, accessorising with a pair of pointed heels.
PA
32/52 Pixie Geldof
The model brought a casual look to London Fashion Week, wearing a light blue, flower-patterned cardigan with a pair of jeans.
PA
33/52 Courtney Love
The singer songwriter looked refined in a grey coat at the Erdem show.
PA
34/52 Kristen McMenamy and Courtney Love
The model and singer contrasted one another on the front row, McMenamy in a bold, green and white dress and Love in a grey and black ensemble.
PA
35/52 Erin O’Connor
The fashion model looked striking in a red, white and black ensemble, adding a touch of sophistication with a pair of long, black gloves.
PA
36/52 Edward Enninful, David, Romeo, Cruz and Harper Beckham
David Beckham beamed as he sat with three of his four children at Victoria Beckham’s Autumn/Winter 2020 London Fashion Week show, while British Vogue editor-in-chief Edward Enninful looked at his phone.
DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP via Getty Images
37/52 Anna Wintour
Despite gaining a reputation for her stoic demeanour, Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour was all smiles as she attended the Victoria Beckham runway, wearing a tan coat, brown patterned dress and her signature dark shades.
DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP via Getty Images
38/52 Edward Enninful and Romeo Beckham
The British Vogue editor-in-chief spoke with the second-born Beckham during Victoria Beckham’s fashion show.
AFP via Getty Images
39/52 Vanessa Redgrave, Sheila Atim, Cate Blanchett, Sinéad Burke, Joely Richardson, Zawe Ashton and Sandy Powell
These famous women made for a powerful ensemble when they were photographed together at the Roksanda show
Isabel Infantes/PA Wire
40/52 Vanessa Redgrave, Sheila Atim, Cate Blanchett and Joely Richardson
Oscar winner Cate Blanchett was caught in conversation with fellow actors Vanessa Redgrave, Joely Richardson and Sheila Atim at the Roksanda catwalk, Blanchett wearing a pale blue and cream outfit.
Isabel Infantes/PA Wire
41/52 Cate Blanchett, Anna Wintour and Caroline Rush
The Vogue editor-in-chief appeared highly amused as she and Caroline Rush, the chief executive of the British Fashion Council, shared a laugh at the Roksanda show.
PA
42/52 Cate Blanchett
The Carol actor looked on as a model showcased a Roksanda creation from the designer’s Autumn/Winter 2020 collection.
AFP via Getty Images
43/52 Sandy Powell
Costume designer Sandy Powell attended the Pam Hogg show at London Fashion wearing a cream suit autographed by an array of stars. Powell is planning on auctioning the suit for charity to raise money for The Art Fund Initiative.
Ian West/PA Wire
44/52 Abdel Queta Tavares
Fashion stylist Abdel Queta Tavares, who goes by the name ‘The Man Behind The Red Hat’ on Instagram, donned his signature multiple red hats while sitting on the front row for Underage’s runway show.
Aaron Chown/PA Wire
45/52 Jaime Winstone
Actor Jaime Winstone put together a cool, casual look for the Pam Hogg show at London Fashion Week, combining a brown, cropped, leather jacket embossed with flame imagery with a yellow corseted top, a pair of leather-look trousers and a lip-shaped clutch.
Ian West/PA Wire
46/52 Jaime and Ray Winstone
Jaime Winstone was pictured with her father, Ray Winstone, who opted for an all-black ensemble.
Ian West/PA Wire
47/52 Amber Le Bon
Despite the grim weather February has had to offer, fashion model Amber Le Bon showcased a summery look at the Preen by Thornton Bregazzi show, wearing a duck egg blue wrap top, a white lace skirt and strappy heels.
Katie Collins/PA Wire
48/52 Joanna Kuchta
Instagram star Joanna Kuchta sat on the front row at the Mimi Wade catwalk wearing a printed mini dress, designed with a black lace hem.
Isabel Infantes/PA Wire
49/52 Talia Storm
Singer Talia Storm appeared to take inspiration from the 1970s with her look at the Pam Hogg show, styling her hair in a crimped fashion and wearing pair of flared trousers, an off-the-shoulder top and a pair of chunky, zebra-printed heels.
Ian West/PA Wire
50/52 Billy Porter, Adwoa Aboah and Michael Ward
The Posestar chatted with the model and activist during the Central Saint Martin’s MA show, during which a digitally-generated version of Aboah was unveiled.
PA
51/52 Jessie Ware, Mahalia, Laura Whitmore and Ella Eyre
The stars sat on the front row while in attendance at the Central Saint Martin’s MA show at London Fashion Week.
PA
52/52 Gabby Allen and Olivia Atwood
The Love Island stars sat on the front row at the Oh Polly Fashion Show By Planet Fashion, Allen in a coral blazer and Atwood in a pair of black, velvet leggings and a knitted top.
Getty Images for Oh Polly LTD
1/52 Billy Porter
The Pose star attended the Christopher Kane show at London Fashion Week wearing a spring-themed floral coat, donning a block coloured top underneath and a pair of heeled boots.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
2/52 Eve
The rapper donned a Christopher Kane ‘Techno Sexual’ T-shirt for the fashion show, completing her look with a frilled skirt and cut-out heeled shoes.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
3/52 Alexa Chung
The fashion designer took heed of the oversized sartorial trend, opting for a large black blazer and black kitten heels.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
4/52 Sinéad Burke
The writer and activist wore a floral skirt and black top for the Christopher Kane runway, layering with a tan overcoat and accessorising with a pair of red, suede heels.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
5/52 Sheila Atim
The actor and model oozed glamour in a black frilled dress, adding a burst of colour with a red lip.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
6/52 Sinéad Burke and Sheila Atim
The pair posed together as they sat at the Christopher Kane show.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
7/52 Eve, Honey Dijon and Billy Porter
The trio were captured sitting by the catwalk.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
8/52 Naomi Ackie
The Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker actor looked opulent in a white, structured coat with a feathered trims down the arms, wearing black trousers underneath.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
9/52 Zawe Ashton and Alison Sudol
The actors stood out on the ‘frow’, Ashton in a coral, satin gown and Sudol in a black starry skirt, white shirt and carrying striking red handbag.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
10/52 Pixie Geldof
The model decided to go down the casual route for London Fashion Week, wearing a graphic sweater, pale blue jeans and black heeled boots for the Christopher Kane showcase.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
11/52 Takashi Murakami, Anja Rubik, Holli Rogers and Edward Enninful
The contemporary artist, supermodel, BrownsFashion.com CEO and British Vogue editor-in-chief were sat together on the front row for the International Woolmark Prize 2020 at London Fashion Week.
Photo by Joe Maher/Getty Images for Woolmark
12/52 Edward Enninful, Sinéad Burke and Hamish Bowles
Enninful, Burke and Bowles posed for the camera at the International Woolmark Prize 2020.
Photo by Joe Maher/Getty Images for Woolmark
13/52 Sigrid
The singer mastered the denim-on-denim trend wearing a pair of dark blue jeans and an embellished denim jacket, completing her look with a pair of black and white heels and a white top.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
14/52 Sheila Atim, Jessie Ware and Maxim Magnus
The actor, singer and model were sat together at the Christopher Kane show.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
15/52 Naomi Shimada
The model and author dressed vibrantly for the Christopher Kane show, standing out in a bright, pink coat.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
16/52 Maisie Williams and Reuben Selby
The Game of Thrones star and her boyfriend, the co-founder of modelling agency Contact Agency, attended the Christopher Kane show together, Williams in a black mini dress.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
17/52 Jourdan Dunn
The model opted for a patterned, ensemble for her appearance on the front row.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
18/52 Jessie Ware
The singer dressed in black and silver for the Christopher Kane catwalk, opting for minimal accessories.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
19/52 James Norton
The Little Women actor dressed down for the Christopher Kane show, going for an all-black ensemble with a burst of green.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
20/52 Imogen Poots
The That Awkward Moment star looked intergalactic in her London Fashion Week outfit, wearing a pair of wide-legged red trousers, a graphic T-shirt and red, tassled heels.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
21/52 Honey Dijon
The DJ and producer, who is highly-regarded for her sartorial style, appeared at the Christopher Kane show wearing an all-black ensemble, save for a pair of bright, white shoes.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
22/52 Grace Carter
The singer songwriter put her best first foot in a pair of white boots and a black, starry night dress.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
23/52 Erin O’Connor, Alexa Chung and Pixie Geldof
O’Connor, Chung and Geldof appeared at ease as they were pictured together on the ‘frow’.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
24/52 Erin O’Connor
The model showed off her chosen ensemble for London Fashion Week, which featured a blue, white and silver pleated gown and a black blazer.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
25/52 Viscountess Emma Weymouth
The star looked elegant in a black lace and white dress at the Christopher Kane show, carrying a purse embossed with the slogan ‘More Joy’.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
26/52 Edward Enninful and Dena Giannini
The editor-in-chief and style director of British Vogue were pictured together on the front row for Christopher Kane.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
27/52 Derek Blasberg, Zawe Ashton, Naomi Ackie, James Norton, Imogen Poots and Alison Sudol
The stars made for a fashionable ensemble as they were captured taking their seats for the show.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
28/52 Caroline Daur
The fashion blogger and model refrained from adding any colour to her Fashion Week look, dressing in white and black for the Christopher Kane catwalk.
Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage
29/52 Anna Wintour
The Vogue editor-chief removed her signature sunglasses while sitting on the front row at the Erdem show, wearing a floral, high-neck dress and a suede coat.
PA
30/52 Charlie XCX
The singer was all about the frills at the Erdem catwalk, donning an eye-catching floral dress and black boots.
PA
31/52 Alexa Chung
The fashion designer went for an understated look in a polka dot dress, accessorising with a pair of pointed heels.
PA
32/52 Pixie Geldof
The model brought a casual look to London Fashion Week, wearing a light blue, flower-patterned cardigan with a pair of jeans.
PA
33/52 Courtney Love
The singer songwriter looked refined in a grey coat at the Erdem show.
PA
34/52 Kristen McMenamy and Courtney Love
The model and singer contrasted one another on the front row, McMenamy in a bold, green and white dress and Love in a grey and black ensemble.
PA
35/52 Erin O’Connor
The fashion model looked striking in a red, white and black ensemble, adding a touch of sophistication with a pair of long, black gloves.
PA
36/52 Edward Enninful, David, Romeo, Cruz and Harper Beckham
David Beckham beamed as he sat with three of his four children at Victoria Beckham’s Autumn/Winter 2020 London Fashion Week show, while British Vogue editor-in-chief Edward Enninful looked at his phone.
DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP via Getty Images
37/52 Anna Wintour
Despite gaining a reputation for her stoic demeanour, Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour was all smiles as she attended the Victoria Beckham runway, wearing a tan coat, brown patterned dress and her signature dark shades.
DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP via Getty Images
38/52 Edward Enninful and Romeo Beckham
The British Vogue editor-in-chief spoke with the second-born Beckham during Victoria Beckham’s fashion show.
AFP via Getty Images
39/52 Vanessa Redgrave, Sheila Atim, Cate Blanchett, Sinéad Burke, Joely Richardson, Zawe Ashton and Sandy Powell
These famous women made for a powerful ensemble when they were photographed together at the Roksanda show
Isabel Infantes/PA Wire
40/52 Vanessa Redgrave, Sheila Atim, Cate Blanchett and Joely Richardson
Oscar winner Cate Blanchett was caught in conversation with fellow actors Vanessa Redgrave, Joely Richardson and Sheila Atim at the Roksanda catwalk, Blanchett wearing a pale blue and cream outfit.
Isabel Infantes/PA Wire
41/52 Cate Blanchett, Anna Wintour and Caroline Rush
The Vogue editor-in-chief appeared highly amused as she and Caroline Rush, the chief executive of the British Fashion Council, shared a laugh at the Roksanda show.
PA
42/52 Cate Blanchett
The Carol actor looked on as a model showcased a Roksanda creation from the designer’s Autumn/Winter 2020 collection.
AFP via Getty Images
43/52 Sandy Powell
Costume designer Sandy Powell attended the Pam Hogg show at London Fashion wearing a cream suit autographed by an array of stars. Powell is planning on auctioning the suit for charity to raise money for The Art Fund Initiative.
Ian West/PA Wire
44/52 Abdel Queta Tavares
Fashion stylist Abdel Queta Tavares, who goes by the name ‘The Man Behind The Red Hat’ on Instagram, donned his signature multiple red hats while sitting on the front row for Underage’s runway show.
Aaron Chown/PA Wire
45/52 Jaime Winstone
Actor Jaime Winstone put together a cool, casual look for the Pam Hogg show at London Fashion Week, combining a brown, cropped, leather jacket embossed with flame imagery with a yellow corseted top, a pair of leather-look trousers and a lip-shaped clutch.
Ian West/PA Wire
46/52 Jaime and Ray Winstone
Jaime Winstone was pictured with her father, Ray Winstone, who opted for an all-black ensemble.
Ian West/PA Wire
47/52 Amber Le Bon
Despite the grim weather February has had to offer, fashion model Amber Le Bon showcased a summery look at the Preen by Thornton Bregazzi show, wearing a duck egg blue wrap top, a white lace skirt and strappy heels.
Katie Collins/PA Wire
48/52 Joanna Kuchta
Instagram star Joanna Kuchta sat on the front row at the Mimi Wade catwalk wearing a printed mini dress, designed with a black lace hem.
Isabel Infantes/PA Wire
49/52 Talia Storm
Singer Talia Storm appeared to take inspiration from the 1970s with her look at the Pam Hogg show, styling her hair in a crimped fashion and wearing pair of flared trousers, an off-the-shoulder top and a pair of chunky, zebra-printed heels.
Ian West/PA Wire
50/52 Billy Porter, Adwoa Aboah and Michael Ward
The Posestar chatted with the model and activist during the Central Saint Martin’s MA show, during which a digitally-generated version of Aboah was unveiled.
PA
51/52 Jessie Ware, Mahalia, Laura Whitmore and Ella Eyre
The stars sat on the front row while in attendance at the Central Saint Martin’s MA show at London Fashion Week.
PA
52/52 Gabby Allen and Olivia Atwood
The Love Island stars sat on the front row at the Oh Polly Fashion Show By Planet Fashion, Allen in a coral blazer and Atwood in a pair of black, velvet leggings and a knitted top.
Getty Images for Oh Polly LTD
To read all of The Independent’s London Fashion Week coverage, click here.