London Fashion week has been disrupted by the Protesters from the environmental action group Extinction Rebellion. The protesters demand support from the British Fashion Council to declare a climate emergency.
A group with a banner saying “rebel for life” blocked the road outside Victoria Beckham’s show at Tate Britain for about half an hour, holding up Mercedes cars provided for the event. Further action is expected including the plans to stop traffic, create gridlock and prevent staff from moving between show venues. Extinction Rebellion met the BFC (British Fashion Council) on Tuesday to discuss the action is intended to take. The group also discussed how the industry body could use its influence to transform fashion into a force for cultural change that stopped the trend of excessive consumption and led action in response to the “urgent and existential threat of climate change”.
A fashion designer and co-founder of Extinction Rebellion Clare Farrell stated “We need to hold thought leaders and creators of culture to account. The fashion industry’s influence permeates deep within the culture and radiates globally. While the fashion industry is not responsible for the unsustainable system it exists within, it is a key driver of global trends and a significant source of ecological devastation.” The BFC said it showcased British businesses engaging in sustainable business practices and was pleased people had the right to protest peacefully. A spokesperson from BFC said, “We believe that more than any other capital, London has an opportunity to be a part of a cultural change around sustainable business practices that put the creative product at their core.” Two days earlier thousands of school pupils went on strike spending a day on the streets instead of in the classroom, to protest against government inaction over the climate crisis.
> Alma Siddiqua
