WITH DAME PRUE LEITH MAKING HER CATWALK DEBUT
ON TEAMING UP WITH THE KING TO BRING ECO-FASHION TO SANDRINGHAM
It is an unexpected partnership, but when the King met the ecowarrior designers behind Vin + Omi, it was clear they had plenty in common.
The pair, who use only their first names, have created a sustainable fashion line using eco-friendly and innovative techniques at their studio HQ in Norfolk. This year sees them mark their 20th anniversary and, to celebrate, an exhibition of their designs, made from nettles and other plant waste collected from the royal estates, is being held at the King’s Norfolk residence Sandringham House.
“We’re an odd combo – I mean, look at me,” tattooed Vin tells HELLO! of their partnership with His Majesty. “You would expect a collaboration with the King to have lots of barriers, but that wouldn’t work because we’re very fluid and like to just play around and experiment.
“When the King is relaxed, he’s like your favourite uncle. He laughs, he jokes. When we see him, he throws lots of ideas around and is really open to suggestions, and he’s way ahead of us when it comes to sustainability, so it’s great working with someone who knows more than we do.”
FABRICS FROM NATURE
The exhibition, Vin + Omi: Royal Garden Waste to Fashion’s Future, features 26 innovative garments and accessories, including the world’s first dress made from butterbur, a spreading plant taken from the lakes at Sandringham.
Other textiles are made from cow parsley, willow and hydrangea from the royal gardens, as well as bog cotton from the Castle of Mey in Caithness. Meanwhile, the King owns scarves, a tie and a nettle shirt from the label.
Vin first teamed up with Singapore-born Omi, who had worked for Christian Dior under John Galliano, in 2004. Constantly experimenting with new ways to turn waste into textiles, they now exhibit their work around the world and count Michelle Obama, Kate Moss and Debbie Harry among their fans.
Their partnership with the monarch began six years ago, when they met the then Prince of Wales at a function as part of the Positive Fashion initiative.
Vin tried to quiz him about the then imminent wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, but the royal changed the subject and instead invited them to meet the gardeners at his Highgrove House home in Gloucestershire.
