We all remember the moment we saw The Queen front row at Richard Quinn’s London Fashion Week show last season, so of course everyone was wondering who he’d invite this time around.
Would it be Meghan Markle, the most-talked about royal this year, or perhaps Kate Middleton would make an appearance? Instead imagine the fashion set’s surprise when they found themselves staring at a bunch of school kids – no really.
Sitting front row at Richard Quinn were students from his former school and sixth form St Thomas More comprehensive school in Greenwich, and some from Central Saint Martins.
But… why? A glance at the show notes explains all.
‘At a time when real damage is occurring to arts education, I want to point to how substantially its creative power lights the path to our future,’ Quinn explained.
‘I had a background where no one really did art and design but I was really encouraged to do it,' he added after the show, according to The Guardian.
‘Now they’re not classing it as an academic subject which I think is ridiculous – [fashion] is the second most profitable industry in the world. I think it’s really important to make a statement.’
And what a statement it was, fashion isn’t just about looking good and spending money anymore, it’s about saying something with your clothes and taking a stand.
But what did the children think of Quinn’s new collection? After all, they had the best view.
‘I thought it was really amazing. It reminded me of all four seasons.’ Isabella Marenhi, 14, told The Guardian.
Molly Farrell, also 14, agreed: ‘I kind of thought the same. At the beginning, the dresses looked like raindrops.’ Isabella added: ‘The way the models were walking and the look on their faces was really breathtaking.