Bonaveri’s BNATURAL Schläppi 2200 biodegradable mannequins have provided the backdrop to the Commonwealth Fashion Exchange exhibition at Buckingham Palace celebrating the skills, craftsmanship and industry of Commonwealth countries. Spearheaded by Eco-Age, the initaitive was launched earlier this month by Commonwealth Secretary General the RtHon Patricia Scotland and Livia Firth.
Hosted on behalf of the Queen, The Commonwealth Fashion Exchange was attended by HRH The Duchess of Cambridge and HRH The Countess of Wessex.
30 Commonwealth Fashion Exchange garments were displayed at a reception at Buckingham Palace in the State Apartments on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen, Head of the Commonwealth. Andrea Bonaveri, representing Bonaveri Italy attended the event including guests Anna Wintour, Edward Enniful, Livia Firth, Nadja Swarovski, Neelam Gill, Nigel Gosse, Ulric Jerome, Naomi Campbell, Stella McCartney, Adwoa Aboah and Caroline Rush. Many of the designers and artisans who created the CFE designs attended the event along with representatives of the newly-affiliated Commonwealth Fashion Council.
The Commonwealth Fashion Exchange features designers and artisans from across the Commonwealth who have joined forces in a show of collaborative talent. This is the first in a number of events taking place in 2018 that gather together the creative skills all 53 Commonwealth countries. Participants have adhered to the GCC Principles of Sustainable Excellence, a framework of environmental and social justice principles for the fashion industry.
Bonaveri’s BNatural sustainable collection of eco-mannequins was launched in London at the Green Carpet Challenge 2016.
The Commonwealth Fashion Exchange is meant to foster new relationships between creators from participating countries encouraging new skillsets and opportunities for global designers. Throughout the exhibition, participants have explored key Commonwealth values including themes of Trade, Security, Prosperity and Fairness. The initiative allows participants to explore ideas of sustainability and shared resource bringing together a pooled knowledge across the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth Fashion Exchange will move to Australia House for a two-week public exhibition. Livia and Colin Firth, Noella Coursaris Musunska, Nadja Swarovski, Nigel Gosse and Ulric Jerome will host a private reception at Australia House on the 22nd February to celebrate the launch of the public exhibition.
Photography by Sean Ebsworth Barnes
