An outfit made from recycled bowling shoes was just one of the thought-provoking designs on the catwalk at Blenheim Palace in the UK this week.

Other dramatic clothes on the runway included a dress made from crocheted VHS tapes; corsets fashioned from Christmas wrapping paper and plastic water bottles; and gloves created from Stella McCartney shoes.

The stately home of the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough in Oxfordshire has more typically hosted designers such as Christian Dior and Yves Saint Laurent over the years. However, the one-week exhibition and fashion show have both been organised to highlight the damaging impact of fashion on the planet.

“Share, re-wear, hire or repair” is the message – as well as urging shoppers to buy from second-hand or surplus stores.

Dr Emily Connally is founder of the Cherwell Collective – a community organisation with a £1 million National Lottery grant – the driving force behind the events.

“Many people are wearing their clothes only two or three times before buying something new. This is having a disastrous effect on the planet. Around 70 per cent of our clothing has plastics in it; even leather is coated in plastic. It can take hundreds of years to biodegrade.”

Diverse cultural groups have collaborated for the show and exhibition as part of Sustainable Fashion Week. Designers include Iraqi Women Art and War (IWAW), OXFAM, Oxford University’s international philanthropic organisation Multaka, and City of Oxford College, as well as emerging and award-winning artists and designers.

Founder of IWAW, Rana Ibrahim, explained that her group’s designs – which included an emotive wedding dress dripping with ‘blood’ – have been created to raise awareness of issues such as violence against women and the emotional impact of war.

“Each woman comes from a different country – for example, Lebanon, Jordan, Pakistan, Iraq, Turkey – and their designs represent different issues. In Iraq, it’s being encouraged for girls aged nine upwards to get married. This is why we have a wedding dress with a bleeding heart and a toy that created a moment of drama.”

‘The Carbon Cost of Fashion’ Exhibition takes place from 23 to 27 September at Blenheim Palace.

DATES & TIMES:

‘The Carbon Cost of Fashion Exhibition’ – 10am-5pm, 23-27 September, The Stables, Blenheim Palace, UK. (Free with any valid Blenheim Palace ticket or annual pass).

Photo: Anthony Sajdler

Location Info:
Blenheim Palace
Woodstock, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX20 1PS
441993 810530