London Fashion Week witnessed a powerful fusion of high fashion, sustainability, and philanthropy as pioneering design duo VIN + OMI presented their latest collection. The show, captured by Fil Mazzarino for FABUK, not only showcased innovative eco-conscious designs but also highlighted a crucial partnership with the British Heart Foundation (BHF), with culinary icon Prue Leith gracing the runway.
The collaboration stems from a deeply personal experience for the design house; Omi recently faced two heart attacks and a subsequent diagnosis of heart disease. This challenging period inspired VIN + OMI to align with the BHF, transforming their London Fashion Week presentation into a platform to raise awareness and vital funds for cardiovascular research, while championing the significant impact of preloved fashion.
This season, VIN + OMI reimagined second-hand clothing sourced from the BHF’s extensive network of 680 shops across the UK. Each garment underwent a transformative process, utilizing the designers’ signature experimental techniques and sustainable methodologies to breathe new life into preloved pieces. The collection underscores the immense potential of upcycling and the circular economy within the fashion industry.
Dame Prue Leith, at 86, made a memorable appearance on the catwalk, donning a distinctive orange pantsuit paired with a pink ruffled shirt and a floral headpiece. Her participation added a touch of celebrity and further amplified the message of the show, drawing attention to both the innovative designs and the charitable cause.
Following their debut on the London Fashion Week runway, these unique, reworked garments will be donated back to the British Heart Foundation. They will then be made available for purchase through the charity’s eBay store, with listings commencing at 8 PM on February 18th and running for ten days. This initiative provides an exclusive opportunity for fashion enthusiasts to acquire a piece of runway history while contributing to a life-saving cause.
Jane Flannery, Retail Director at the British Heart Foundation, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: “We’re thrilled to be working with VIN + OMI on this inspiring London Fashion Week collection. Their bold, creative vision highlights exactly what makes secondhand so exciting and the opportunity to give incredible donated items a completely new life.”
Flannery further emphasized the dual benefit of the collaboration: “By returning these reworked runway looks to us to sell on our eBay store, VIN + OMI are helping us raise vital funds for lifesaving cardiovascular research, while highlighting the huge environmental impact of shopping preloved. We hope this collaboration encourages even more people to discover the treasure trove of preloved fashion waiting in our shops, on our eBay site and Depop.”
The BHF’s retail operations already play a significant role in promoting sustainable fashion, diverting over 54,000 tonnes of goods from waste annually and reselling 11,000 tonnes of preloved clothing. This collaboration with VIN + OMI further solidifies their commitment to environmental responsibility and innovative fundraising.