Disabled models make London Fashion Week debut
Disabled models made their debut on the London Fashion Week catwalk – “about time”, as one campaigner put it
Amputee Jack Eyers, who wears a prosthetic leg, and Kelly Knox, who was born with no left forearm, took to the runway for luxury British label Teatum Jones.
“It’s important to get people to reconsider our relationship with the body in the luxury fashion sector,” Catherine Teatum, one half of the design duo, told AFP backstage.
“When you think there was a time when models of colour weren’t cast for shows, that’s bonkers! So we feel a little bit like that now.”
The collection, which opened five days of shows in London, featured oversized coats and dresses, reconstructed with sheer layers, eyeleted seams and ties around the waist and legs.
Dubbed “The Body”, it took as inspiration the work of artist Hans Bellmer, who created mutated doll forms in protest at the cult of the perfect body in what would become Nazi Germany.
“As a brand we’ve always been inspired by human stories, wherever they’re from,” added co-designer Rob Jones.
Last season Teatum Jones used their show to celebrate LGBT rights in Scotland.
“Around the world, I think a lot of people are being sparked up and wanting to have a voice. Somebody’s got to do it – and somebody’s got to start,” Jones added.