One of the top shopping destinations in the UK, Liverpool ONE, has announced today that it will support the first sustainable fashion catwalk to be held in the city.
The spring catwalk will be held in collaboration with Be Positive Taylored, a clothing brand that aims to destigmatize mental health and produces sustainable, low-carbon footprint clothing.
Liverpool John Moores University is also supporting the initiative.
Liverpool ONE donated its flags and banners to the project in the wake of Eurovision’s success earlier this year. These will be used to make eco-friendly messenger bags, headwear, and clothing, such as t-shirts and unisex outerwear.
As Ukraine was the original host for 2023, this partnership is a significant gesture of recognition for the people of Ukraine from this year’s Eurovision song contest. It also marks Liverpool’s first sustainable fashion catwalk.
Marc Provins, Lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University said:
“At LJMU, we strive to equip our graduates with the skills and mindset necessary to tackle the challenges of the fashion industry. Our collaboration with BEPO on a sustainable project using Eurovision surplus materials not only provides our students with the opportunity to mirror industry practices, but also encourages a professional approach to their studies.
“Through this project, our Fashion Communication students are learning the skills to create a rolltop backpack while also developing techniques around ideation with a fashion brand, understanding brand elements like tone of voice, as well as styling, photography, video editing, and social media content. This is a fantastic opportunity for our first-year students to flex their creative muscles and become the next generation of conscious fashion communicators.”
The project will come to a head with a catwalk display of all the creations at Space Liverpool, Stanhope Street, as part of a sustainability festival.
Donna Howitt, Liverpool ONE’s Place Strategy Director, said:
“We are thrilled to be partnering with BEPO and Liverpool John Moores University for this exciting initiative.
“Sustainable fashion is crucial in today’s world, and we are proud to be involved in an event which will showcase the creativity and talents of our community.”
Ben Taylor, from BEPO, added:
“This project is a true collaboration between Liverpool ONE, BEPO, and the students at Liverpool John Moores University.
“We are excited to showcase the beauty of sustainable fashion and honour the people of Ukraine through our work.”
In addition to being long-lasting, the messenger bags, clothes, and other products made from flags and banners will stand as an example of the effectiveness of community-led projects.
From conception to completion, the process will be recorded, and the designs will be expertly photographed in the hopes of being shown at the city’s Tate and Walker galleries.
READ MORE: LIVERPOOL ONE HOSTED A UKRAINIAN CHRISTMAS PERFORMANCE
