Ashish's ballsy AW17 collection sent a strong message to Donald Trump

Ashish stayed well away from his Indian heritage this season, instead treading the path of many other designers by speaking out against Donald Trump.

In the face of minority groups being targeted by the new President, Ashish sent out an inclusive collection full of American uniforms and positive slogans. Models walked through a broken heart, signalling the start of what would become one of London Fashion Week’s most political shows.

The designer’s signature sequins appeared in rainbow stripes that paid homage to the LGBTQ community. This was matched by slogan sweaters reading “Why be blue when you can be gay?’ and “Unity in adversity.”

Other quotes spoke of racial equality. “Love sees no colour” was emblazoned on baggy jumpers that were paired with US-style sportswear.

American baseball uniforms designed in collaboration with Major League Baseball were dotted throughout. “I love baseball as an inspiration for equality and unity – the fact that it was the first sport to allow a person of colour to play professionally is incredible,” Ashish stated.

Race car checks were brandished with similarly evocative lines including “More litter less Twitter” and “Stay woke.”

Each model’s face was painted in the style of Mexican wrestlers, adding a tough edge to the Ashish army. A mixture of men and women walked the show with the female faces walking powerfully to match the “Nasty Woman” text that flashed by.

Ashish’s make-you-think collection follows Gareth Pugh’s political tone that encouraged the audience (via some rather creepy bug eyes) to “stay awake in order to stay woke.”

And just like the sequin-obsessed designer, House of Holland also displayed a fun ode to America, encouraging people to simultaneously remember and forget the current atrocities happening across the water.

Thankfully, London is not forgetting those who are suffering in the States. Hopefully, Milan and Paris will do the same.

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