There were two messages for Ashish’s runway presentation for fall 2017. There was the runway filled with the equal parts glam and fun sequin garments (lots of stripes!) the London label is known and loved for and there was also a very loud shout out to people globally heartbroken by the election of Donald Trump.
With a yellow brick road runway, the show was opened by Australian model Nyadak “Duckie” Thot, 21 year old chocolate-skinned model who has been outspoken on the challenges she’s faced as a black woman in the fashion industry. Calling out Trump’s harsh comments about Mexico, make up was inspired by Mexican wrestling masks and clothing was emblazoned with various uplifting and political messages, including a reference to Hillary Clinton with “nasty woman,” as well as “love sees no colour” and “more glitter less Twitter.”
Commenting on the presentation, designer Ashish Gupta told Vogue, “I was reading about how Oz was representative of Washington and how the hurricane of Dorothy was the political turmoil that happened at the time. It was so symbolic. Every little thing was symbolic of what is happening now, we need to be united in a message of love and unity and stand up together against all the fucked-up mess that is going on.”
Enjoy a look at the runway show below. Current collections are available at farfetch.com.
