The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2023 - Issue 33

bitecatwalk VIN &OMI F ew people in our industry know how to stick it to 'the man' pointedly and stead- fastly. Most will cave, give in to the shine and appeal of mass populari- ty rather than be threatened by the possibility of “one minute you’re in, the next you’re out” dread that is ever looming. I miss hardcore grit, angst and solid convictions that used to fuel many fashion brands - although, right now, this movement is resur- gent and those trying to change the business landscape. That's why I'm such a massive fan of the work and message Vin + Omi have been pro- moting since 2004. "We are not just a fashion label; we are an ideology," as quoted in their manifesto. Vin + Omi has always desired noth- ing more than to educate and rebuild a broken system within the indus- try's largely non-eco-friendly man- ufacturing practices and material sourcing, but rather to permanent- ly use only all-natural, sustainable goods and production. I also highly admire their refusal to work with an- yone who doesn’t follow or fully sup- port their efforts to go green. They make zero apologies for this and will make no allowances for those who waver in their agreement to this devoted mission. And as such, they have several high-end, influential investors in their vision. In particu- lar, King Charles has been a massive continuing patron of their undertak- ing for the past four years. This season, the dynamic duo pre- sented a fiercely optimistic collec- tion, ‘Opinions’, that used materials gathered from locations like the royal grounds of Kensington Pal- ace, Highgrove House and the Roy- al Parks. Plant materials and nettles were collected, blended and used in a new technique to create a fab- ric dyed with beetroot, blackcurrant and chlorella, and cellulose fibre to make a gorgeous eco-cocktail dress. These fabrics exemplify these two designers, who honestly don't have any professional fashion training or schooling, but instead fell into this vocation by chance. Vin was a sculptor, and Omi, a leading pho- tographer in Singapore, had known each other for years before joining to form the brand we know today. However, they both have always had an extreme interest in environmen- tal progression and the saving of the planet. These two passionate indi- viduals were some of the foremost leaders in bringing the green fashion movement to global attention. This season's line-up presented a massive 75 looks featuring a new innovative fabric Netmorph made from recycled fishing nets sourced from fisherman's waste. They also featured looks made from upcycled pitched garments and fashion indus- try stock, recycledplasticwastes from art companies like Daler-Rowney, as well as using recycled plastic hair salon bottles and unwanted wooden office furniture pieces from KMS in some of the headpieces. The graphic verbal prints were taken from 50 impactful views from stu- dents, designers and models, which attack today’s dismal living situa- tions, economy and environmental predicament. Each piece was a mar- vel to see how they were carefully constructed and considering that the fabrics and textiles are made from plants and recycled materials. It's truly incredible! It makes one wonder, "Why has it taken us so long to return to an all-natural fashion production method?" I love these direct and impactful quote prints and their excellent outerwear pieces. My fa- vourite was look #5’s long quilted black puffer coat with ‘No War’, look #35’s cropped black quilted bomber with ‘Break the System’, and finally, the fantastic crocheted-like knitted black dress and beyond-incredi- ble black coat covered hundreds of stunning hand-constructed black 3D rosettes. I hope Vin and Omi continue to plough forward as a powerhouse behind the global go- green movement and produce stellar designs. Knowing they are doing our precious Mother Earth proud, I will sleep a little easier each night! And to what's one man's trash is indeed another's treasure has never been more accurate. #allthelove www.vinandomi.com FASHION WEEK LONDON Spring/Summer 2023