No More Barriers: Camden Passage Christmas Festival’s Open Red Carpet
‘Diversity, Inclusivity, Culture and Heritage’
These were the words that opened the Friends of Camden Passage Christmas Festival’s red carpet. As I watched the carpet being rolled out onto the cobbled path, my concept of accessible fashion was truly redefined. Placed amidst the shops and bustling crowd of Islington, before the show had even begun public and private began to fuse. Passersby began to peer around, questioning the growing crowd and unable to miss the bright lights and photographers that were steadily taking over the street. A melange of anticipation and inquisition captivated the passage as the event was set up.
Before the show itself commenced, I meandered along the passage in search of a hot drink and instead found myself nothing short of astounded by the effort that attendees had put into their outfits. Many of these individuals were being photographed as much as the fashion show itself, showcasing their unique wardrobes. It was here that I was first struck by the impact of this festival; opening up a red carpet to the public facilitated a celebration of self expression and personal style for all those who chose to dress for the occasion. This was consolidated when prior to the fashion show workers from local businesses, both large corporations and independently run, walked down the red carpet in a show of appreciation and promotion of their trades. Trades that included theatre, fishmongers, and clothing. Many of the fashion brands opted to have employees wear clothes from their own collections varying from outdoor wear to bridal, including everything from quarter-zip fleeces to floor length gowns and fitted suits. Such solidarity between brand identity and retail employees was refreshing - store workers are more often than not overlooked in the hierarchy of fashion and during the show they were at long last applauded for the fundamental role they play in fashion retail.
As the local businesses segment concluded and the fashion show began the red carpet itself was wonderfully unrestricted to the public - children peered in slightly over the carpet at the models, a photographer standing next to me offered his stool to an older woman and those walking on the carpet interacted with the crowd. However, this is by no means to say the affair was intimate - the street was filled to the brim with people waiting eagerly to see the fashion show. The main display saw the extensive collection of the renowned Pat Lyttle showcased to an enthralled audience. A fashion stylist, photographer and editor, Lyttle himself made an appearance. Exploring his relationship with those he styles, Lyttle expressed to Fused Magazine that he is “not a celebrity stylist”. His presence in the festival in this regard was particularly fitting - the authenticity of the fashion show parallels his practice as a stylist and photographer. As the models debuted on the runway, they were each introduced with their names and background, providing a seldom seen human connection between those observing the clothes and those wearing them.
The show itself was divided into two sections; the first displayed a kimono-inspired collection, and the second showcased the traditional kimono. Whilst the kimono-inspired collection was innovative, I was particularly captivated by the traditional kimono segment - here the show truly became as much a fashion show as a culturally educational moment.
As the models exhibited the traditional clothing, the opportunity was advertised to learn more about its cultural significance at the Ezen Foundation, sharing culture with both the local community and those who had travelled to watch the show. The entire show served as a depiction of what integration between fashion and the community looks like, merging the past and present and perhaps giving insight into the future of more localised fashion shows for all ages and backgrounds.
The turnout and enthusiasm displayed at the Friends of Camden Passage Fashion Show is a testament to the importance of accessible fashion opportunities, as well as opportunities for culture to be shared and appreciated. The Friends of Camden Passage Festival is paving the way for the de-privatisation of fashion shows, and I anticipate the prospect of a future that will see more shows following in its footsteps to make fashion for all rather than a few.
The Friends of Camden Passage Christmas Festival 2024 is available to stream online on the Ezen Foundation Youtube page, Here:
All Images Courtesy of Maaya Karuppiah
Written by Maaya Karuppiah
Edited by Daisy Packwood, Fashion Editor
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