The fashion scene in Westminster gained popularity after this year’s London Fashion Week, with many graduates from the University of Westminster showing their designs and walking the runway. After modelling for London Fashion Week, myself I gained insight into London’s fashion world. The Bye Bye Baby collection by Ester Kubisz was a multimedia conceptual project based on gender fluidity and expression. With influences from upper class Westminster workmen, suits were shredded and deformed to rework the ideology of class and status. Being surrounded by industry models made me realise how serious they take body image and style in the industry.
I spoke to underground designer, Charmz, about his experience about working with Westminster-based models and fashion. We sat down and discussed the influence that TikTok and Tumblr has on modern day fashion. 24% of the Uk users on these platforms are 15 to 25 years old. Charmz, speaks on the return of old trends such as the “Tumblr girl” aesthetic which is the slim, toned body figure. It has over 290 million views on TikTok, and the aesthetic genuinely promotes disordered eating to encourage visible bones under their skin. “Even though hashtags such as #thinspo have been censored, its still very prevalent in today’s fashion sense.” However, working in the industry Charmz saw the change of body types wanted for new trends; one of which is a curvy figure. “So yeah what’s popular now is the Kim Kardashian type influence, which are mixed race people with curvaceous body types”.
Style comes and goes through fashion trends, walking around the most popular tourist areas of Westminster this is evident. I’ve concluded that fashion is very fast paced, as people’s mindsets are influenced by trends, there are always a new things to attain. However, there’s so much to aim for, not everyone prioritises style over trends you’re told to wear at the time. This is an example of the impacts of fast fashion; London is a large contributor as designers from central boroughs prioritise profit and reach. From this, you can draw that the main difference between style and trends is that style is permanent. It’s a personal choice that someone makes in relation to their interests and body type.
I’m here with Malec Duberry, a bartender based in South East London. After working in a high end bar, Malec noted the difference in fashion amongst citizens in Westminster in comparison to people from Lewisham, his home town. “People’s priority is their appearance. Everyone I serve is in designer and if not, the way they carry themselves is done in a way to present as superior to others. I personally care about comfort over appearance. I wasn’t brought up with that mindset so seeing people act so differently due to the brands they wear is really eye-opening to me”. He adds that “In certain environments, its not direct but I’ve definitely experienced judgement due to the way I’m dressed. This is probably amplified by stereotypes that accompany me being a black man.”
