The Business of Fashion
Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
During London Fashion Week, one of the unquestionable highlights was Prince's surprise performance on the Matthew Williamson catwalk. I have never seen the normally subdued and restrained fashionista crowd whoop and holler like they did when the diminutive dynamo stepped onto the catwalk from the front row. It was definitely a sight to be seen.
And, despite the apparent smoothness of the whole collaboration, the deal was only done the night before the show. Prince made the request and Williamson told reporters that when Prince makes a request, you don't say no.
The most frustrating thing was that no video footage of Prince's performance was available afterwards. All of the photographers and videographers had signed waivers on arrival, preventing them from broadcasting the show in any form. The inside scoop was that Prince was planning to use the footage for his latest video, Chelsea Rodgers . And now, at long last, we have the video for you here.
It's another example of the power of the music and fashion industries coming together for a bit of co-promotion. Methinks that it is Williamson who will benefit the most from the collaboration. The video is great and elevates Mr. Williamson's profile to a whole new level. It will be beamed into households around the world where Mr. Williamson is not well known.
Good on him for seizing the opportunity to work with Prince, even with such short notice. Organising all those broadcast waivers, arranging front row seats for Prince and his entourage, and fitting-in a 15 minute prelude to the fashion show at the last minute must not have been easy, but it was all worth it as I am sure you'll agree when you see the video.
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