Women’s rights took centre stage at London Fashion Week last month, with Irish designer Natalie B Coleman’s Autumn-Winter collection Sisters. The collection features symbols of women’s reproductive system, including red to represent blood and a shield motif inspired by the word “sheath,” the Latin origin of the word vagina.
“Traditional female-centric needlework, weaving, stitching, Carrickmacross lace, embroidery, hand knits were all used,” said Ms. Coleman.
Clothes making is traditionally seen as a women’s work, she explained, and empowers women both to support their families and gain independence.
“The collection symbolises the collaborative power of sisterhood,” Ms. Coleman said. “I believe strongly in equality and in the right for all women to have access to maternal and sexual care.”
All views are those of the original author. Originally published at UNFPA.org.
