By CGTN’s Xi Jia
The International Fashion Showcase (IFS), themed “Local and Global,” is currently underway in London, putting the city again at the center of the world's fashion scene this February.
The exhibition has drawn over 80 designers from 26 countries to Somerset House.
“It’s fantastic that the concept of the exhibition is ‘Local and Global’. We did not know at the beginning how to call it, but coincidentally it happened that our students were thinking exactly the same way. It means that we are looking back to the history and past of Poland, taking inspiration from there,” said Piotr Zachara from the School of Form in Poland’s Poznan.
Piotr Zachara from tSchool of Form in Poland’s Poznan. /CGTN Photo
London offers great opportunities for emerging international designers to present their collections, and is no doubt the best place for fresh faces.
Compared with the other world-renowned fashion shows in Milan, Paris and New York, London is considered the most ready to embrace newcomers.
Exhibition assistant Monique Ricketts explores the stay ugly design by Alina Zamano from Ukraine on display at the International Fashion Showcase 2017, in London, UK, on 16 February 2017. /CFP Photo
“London has always been a center of experimentation. Londoners are very excited to see other cultures, and also very glad to collaborate with other cultures. Our biggest selling point is our diversity,” said Sarah Mann, Director of the Architecture Design Fashion at The British Council.
Sarah Mann, Director of the Architecture Design Fashion at The British Council. /CGTN Photo
Every designer wants to interpret fashion and culture through their creations. However fashion is also shaped by its surroundings. The rhythms of nature, cultural memory, social changes and historical shifts are all reflected in silhouettes, techniques and materials.
Norine Farah is a 28-year-old independent designer from Egypt. She says every country presents their own culture, belief and traditions during London's Fashion Week. She is proud to showcase her country’s culture on the world stage.
Norine Farah, an Egyptian designer. /CGTN Photo
“I am here to represent my country, and to show the rest of the world how Egyptian fashion and culture can be interpreted through fashion and through teamwork. You see the room is very united, with the same feeling and the same vibe,” said the designer.
The event organizers say London will remain open for fashion collaborations after Brexit and that is what this year's show is trying to portray.
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