New York: During New York Fashion Week, model Aaron Rose Philip, a Black and transgender individual, made headlines while showcasing Hillary Taymour’s collection, intertwining fashion with pressing social issues like climate change and advocacy for women’s rights in a powerful display of diversity and activism.
During New York Fashion Week, a notable moment emerged as Black, transgender, and differently abled model Aaron Rose Philip rolled down the runway in her wheelchair, showcasing a collection from designer Hillary Taymour, the founder of Collina Strada. This season, the significance of model casting resonated with a deeper political context, particularly in the face of prevailing social issues.
Hillary Taymour, who is regarded as one of the few designers to publicly address political themes during this week’s showcases, expressed her sentiment about the current climate, stating, “I can’t separate it, because it is my work.” Taymour has been committed to sustainability since she founded her brand in 2009. Her dedication is evidenced by her consistent use of deadstock and upcycled fabrics, alongside a powerful messaging campaign that highlights climate change.
Reflecting on the timing of her collection in relation to broader crises, Taymour conveyed concern over the political climate stating, “What does one say with clothes in 2025, when climate change is but one of many issues being shelved by the Trump administration?” Her commentary underscores the role fashion can play in addressing urgent issues of the day.
The collection featured items designed with a unique sense of proportions intended to maintain an “armour up” aesthetic. Taymour described her creations, which included oversized glasses and distinctive fashion pieces such as ballooning windbreakers, ragbag florals, thready checks, and layers of lingerie, as a means of coping with emotional turmoil. She creatively repurposed items like men’s coats and vintage wedding dresses sourced from thrift stores to evoke a sense of “lived-in romanticism with a touch of ‘Oliver Twist.'”
Among Taymour’s aspirations is a project aimed at modernising heirloom wedding dresses brought in by customers, including those inherited from family members. She illustrated her visionary approach with a striking example from the collection—a dress featuring a bodice of white burned-out lace transitioning into choppy white layers, accentuated by a low-slung leather belt.
Taymour’s commitment to social issues extends beyond fashion. She expressed her intention to support and uplift trans women while actively advocating for women’s rights. As she reflected on the troubling events impacting her community, she noted, “I feel so horrible about what’s happening,” acknowledging the pervasive fear and uncertainty faced by individuals around her. She poignantly referenced two young girls set to engage in art projects at the show venue, illustrating her belief that “everyone I know will be affected, including my nieces out there.”
Source: Noah Wire Services
