London Fashion Week: Environmental activists disrupt event and demand BFC declare a ‘climate emergency’

'We are raising the question: what more can we do to tell the truth about the climate and ecological collapse and act on that truth?'

Protests erupted at London Fashion Week (LFW) on Sunday afternoon as environmental activists called on organisors at the British Fashion Council to use its platform to tackle climate change and declare a “climate emergency”.

The protest was organised by activism group Extinction Rebellion, which blocked roads outside a fashion show at the Tate Britain in a bid to disrupt the biannual event.

Speaking to The Independent, organiser Sara Arnold explained that the fashion industry has the potential to be a revolutionary force for good when it comes to tackling climate change.

“We target LFW because it is a key driver of global trends but we are not singling out this event or industry,” she clarified.

“This is the start of Extinction Revolution’s disruption of cultural events that do not change direction urgently towards communicating climate change and mobilising alongside us towards greater non-violent direct action and civil disobedience.”

Arnold went on to cite recent catastrophes that have emerged as a result of climate change, including the extinction of hundreds of species and polar bears entering Russian villages because their habit has shrunk.

“We invite the BFC to feel challenged and ask themselves what more can they do to tell the truth about the climate and ecological collapse and act on that truth,” she added.

“We aren’t here to provide solutions as they should be the experts, but if they think of this as an emergency, would models, press and buyers be flying around the world to see clothes?

“Would the world’s natural resources, soon to face scarcity, be used for new clothing? We aren’t here to provide the answer but set the context by which decisions should be made.”

The organisation announced its intentions to “swarm” LFW by writing to the BFC on Monday 4 February.

They had a meeting with them on Friday 15 February, which was the first day of LFW, describing it as ”the beginning of a conversation and we’re grateful that they’ve opened that door to us (and to the future).”

But they said the protest would still occur to draw people’s attention to an industry that Extinction Rebellion says “has fuelled and applauded our high-consumption lifestyles.”

The BFC responded to The Independent’s request for comment by directing attention to its Positive Fashion Initiative, which aims to “celebrate industry best practice and encourage future business decisions to create positive change”.

Projects launched under the initiative thus far include a partnership with BBC Earth and designer Mother of Pearl to hold talks on sustainability in the industry, making London Fashion Week entirely fur-free, and providing models with a dedicated “zone” at both LFW and LFW Men’s where they can relax, eat, drink and receive treatments from on-site therapists.

“We are committed to support businesses to do more, to develop through green growth and our hope is that London Fashion Week becomes synonymous with responsible business in the years to come,” the BFC said.

Find out more about Extinction Rebellion on their website rebellion.earth and for more information on the BFC’s Positive Fashion initiative, visit their website.