Last London Fashion Week, mother of the adored queer strip night Harpies and founder Trans+ Pride, Lucia Blayke organised the Transmissions protest for trans rights and representation in fashion. One year later, the BFC responded by putting Harpies and He She They’s LFW Launch Party on the official fashion schedule.
On the 14th February, Harpies threw the official LFW Launch Party alongside queer party organisation He She They, who launched their new clothing line that night (a perfect Valentine’s date if you ask me). The party was a true celebration of queer identity and expression.
Pictured left to right, Sakeema Peng Crook, Josephine Jones, Bawbiey, Elie Che and Emily Crooked at the LFW Launch Party, photographed by Rachel Steele
Elie Che, fashion model and Harpies performer, was one of the protesters at Transmissions last year, though she admitted she was hesitant to participate in case it jeopardised her modelling career she explained that, ‘I think people want to hear voices, that you want to say something and you want to create a space for people. That was my main thing, I want people who are like me or look like me to be on runways one day or in fashion campaigns’. A year later Elie Che was no longer protesting outside of Fashion Week but became apart of it, by walking for Fashion Scout brand DB Berdan and performing at the LFW Launch Party at Harpies. Whilst reflecting upon the party, she acknowledges the fact that Harpies was significantly busier than other nights, so much so her friends were turned away as there were too many people, but the inclusion of the LFW party on the official schedule was, ‘important and absolutely necessary, a queer organisation and a trans organisation, as Harpies is for trans and queer people, being put on a pedal stool for once and getting the recognition we finally deserve is amazing’. It was the talk of the town, guests even included genderfluid experimental pop star Dorian Electra who was a guest DJ. Within the showers of Harpies dollars and drinks, there was a communal feeling of justice and pride.
The night signified a change. The BFC responded in a way to make wrong right. Similarly, with the Positive Fashion exhibit, throughout the whole week, there seemed to be desperation into ensuring there were no problems by addressing issues within the fashion industry from sustainability to inclusivity. What is important now is that we know the Council can stand up for these concerns, will their enthusiasm and cooperation continue into the next fashion week?
HAWKES EYE VIEW 