“Climate revolution is the ultimate revolution; if we don’t win that, there won’t be many of us left.”
Time to talk about one of the most iconic creatives out there; Vivienne Westwood. She speaks her mind and supports causes she believes in and it’s no secret that she is an avid supporter of the environment. She first launched her 'Climate Revolution' campaign back in 2012, where her message for buyers and the industry was [to] “Buy less, choose well, make it last. Even better, don’t buy anything.” This was controversial as the fashion industry is the second most wasteful and environmentally damaging industry out there (only beaten by the oil industry) and for one of the most respected designers to take a stand against fast fashion, the world was stunned.
She was listed to play a part in the Paralympics closing ceremony in 2012. Having skipped the dress rehearsal in order to keep her plans cloaked, the designer appeared at the televised closing ceremony on a float sporting an enormous black and white 'Climate Revolution' banner. Westwood was dressed in a slogan tee with the same words, sending a message to the world. She was then impossible to miss, along with her cause.
When the Dame was asked by reporters why people should buy the range, she replied with “They shouldn’t”. The collection was designed for political reasons, not for money. The SS12/13 collection included male models accessorizing with tote bags including the ‘Climate Revolution’ slogan made in Kenya through the United Nations International Trade Centre Ethical Fashion Program. Some models also appeared with injured features like black and blue bloody lips -- an effect to indicate that they were fighting for the revolution themselves.
Westwood has a personal philosophy for the climate revolution and shares her steps on how you can help the cause off the runway away from the magazines and cameras:
1. Money is a means to an end, not an end in itself
2. Quality v Quantity
3. Buy less, choose well, make it last (we don't want the 'latest thing' just for the sake of it.) "I never waste money; I spend it" – Oscar Wilde.
4. Prepare and cook your own food.
5. Cut out plastic
6. Inform yourselves
7. NGO’s (Non-Governmental Organisations): there are thousands, follow one in particular and give your support. You will learn a lot. You will know if we've blown it or not.
8. Consider the responsibility of not having children.
9.Take an active part in the Revolution as it starts to build.
10. Engage in art and culture.
D.Evans
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