Bake Off's Prue Leith, 84, Stuns in Latex at Eco-Fashion Show
Dame Prue Leith surprises in latex at Vin + Omi's London Fashion Week show. The eco-designers celebrate 20 years of sustainable fashion, featuring royal collaborations and anti-war themes.
In a surprising turn of events at London Fashion Week, Dame Prue Leith, the 84-year-old judge from The Great British Bake Off, made a bold statement on the runway. The culinary icon donned a black latex dress with red stitching for avant-garde eco-designers Vin + Omi's 20th-anniversary show, "Moxie," held in Kensington.
Vin + Omi, known for their sustainable and inventive approach to fashion, have been pushing boundaries in the industry since 2004. Their work aligns with the growing concern over the fashion industry's environmental impact, which accounts for 10% of global carbon emissions.
The designers have forged a unique collaboration with King Charles III, a long-time advocate for environmental causes. They've worked together to transform waste materials from royal estates into innovative garments. This partnership culminated in a private audience with the monarch in April 2024, where they discussed their creations made from nettles and butterbur, an invasive weed.
"Our pinch-me moment will always be our work with the King. It's like a wild dream... I think to have the support and working with the King, I think that's more adventurous than climbing Mount Everest."
The "Moxie" show not only celebrated two decades of eco-innovation but also incorporated a strong anti-war message. Models carried signs with slogans such as "stop the war," "no war," and "love always wins," reflecting the designers' commitment to social issues beyond fashion.
Vin + Omi's approach to fashion is unique in that they don't produce clothes for retail. Instead, their creations serve as manifestos for eco-innovation and social change. This philosophy harks back to early 20th-century art movements that used fashion as a medium for expressing ideals.
The show's diverse lineup included former Playboy model Josie Stevens alongside Dame Prue Leith, showcasing the designers' inclusive vision. This juxtaposition of personalities mirrors the eclectic nature of London Fashion Week, one of the "Big Four" fashion events globally.
As the fashion industry continues to grapple with sustainability issues, Vin + Omi's work, including their current exhibition "From Royal Gardens to Fashion's Future" at Sandringham, serves as a beacon for innovative, environmentally conscious design. Their collaboration with King Charles III and the surprising runway appearance of Dame Prue Leith demonstrate that sustainable fashion can be both avant-garde and accessible to all ages.
