The fashion world and LGBTQ+ community are buzzing with excitement as Belinda Carlisle lends her support to a groundbreaking collaboration between Stonewall and S&Mthe fashion brand co-founded by renowned designer Scott Henshall and his creative partner Mirko Albertin.
This partnership, timed perfectly for London Pridemarks a significant step in blending high fashion with activism, all while celebrating diversity and inclusion.
Scott Henshall’s Journey and the Birth of the Unicorn Polarbear
Scott Henshalla trailblazer in the fashion industry, made history as the youngest designer to present a solo show at London Fashion Week in 1998 at just 22 years old. His portfolio boasts the creation of the ‘world’s most expensive dress,’ a £5 million diamond-encrusted masterpiece worn by Samantha Mumba at the Spider-Man 2 premiere in 2004. Henshall’s innovative spirit also led him to become the youngest-ever creative director for luxury brand Mulberry and to design the wardrobe for Jemini at the 2003 Eurovision Song Contest.
Now, Henshall and Albertin’s brand S&M has joined forces with Stonewall to launch a unique collection featuring Henshall’s signature chimera creationthe unicorn polar bear, on T-shirts, bags, and other accessories. This collaboration aims to give back to the LGBTQ+ community that has inspired Henshall throughout his career.
The Launch and Belinda Carlisle’s Involvement
The collection will be unveiled at Pride London’s pop-up shop in Walker’s CourtSoho, Londonon 16 June. This exclusive event is reserved for Stonewall’s ambassadorsbut the public can also explore the range from 17 June to 5 Julywith the shop open from midday to 6pm daily. Additionally, the collection will be available on Stonewall’s websiteensuring everyone can get the look in time for London Pride.
Belinda Carlisleknown for her iconic hits like ‘Heaven is a Place on Earth,’ is among the first celebrities to support the collaboration. Modeling one of the tees ahead of her performance on Take That’s UK tourCarlisle expressed her enthusiasm: ‘I am absolutely thrilled to be pictured in this iconic new Scott Henshall-designed T-shirt in support of Stonewall. It’s an organisation that has done amazing work for many years now and whose values and goals are very close to my heart.’
The Impact and Future of the Collaboration
Henshall’s friends and contacts have eagerly supported the collaboration, understanding the importance of showing solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. Henshall himself stated, ‘They understand how important it is to show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, especially when everything feels so divided, and there is much anxiety, pain and hurt. Wearing my designs is a great way for my friends to show up as allies – and look incredible too.’
Stonewall’s Director of Communications, Strategy and External Affairs, Catherine Rileyexpressed gratitude for Henshall’s creativity and energy in bringing the collaboration to life. She emphasized the significance of Pride as a time for celebration and solidarity, especially in light of the ongoing global rollback of LGBTQ+ rights. ‘Pride is a time of celebration, and it is also a time for standing up and standing together in solidarity with one another – this year more than ever, as the global roll of back rights continues and the trans+ community in particular remain under such attack.’
To explore and purchase the S&M X Stonewall range, visit Stonewall’s website.
