 |
|  |
The Fashion Industry in the UK has quickly learned always to expect the unexpected from designer Patrick McDowell. After studying at Central Saint Martins, McDowell has gone on to reinvent the role of a fashion designer as we know it today. Proving that it is not only a designer’s responsibility to create beautiful clothing but also to redesign the systems they sit within. Hosting London Fashion Week’s first-ever Swap Shop, collaborating with global brands to promote sustainability, and creating collections completely digitally Patrick’s creativity knows no bounds.
Now McDowell has collaborated with Positive East a charity/support group in London’s East End that works with those living with (and affected by) HIV to lead full, happy, and healthy lives while also providing free, rapid HIV testing out in the community.
 |  |
|  |
With this new protect both McDowell and Positive East wanted to use this opportunity to spotlight the charity’s 30th year. Its a celebration of how far we have come since the AIDS epidemic of the early 80s, an acknowledgment that there is still work to be done, and a demonstration that Positive East is proud to support the HIV+ community.
Each of the Positive East staff members photographed in this collaboration are experts in their field, continually tailoring and redeveloping their projects and activities to best serve the ever-changing needs of those who need support. This, along with the diversity of backgrounds, beliefs, and walks of life that make up our team, is directly linked to the strength of the services they offer. They are all wearing garments from the most recent collection – Catholic Fairytales.
|
|
|
MacDowell says of the collection Religious views often negatively impact so many queer children, causing lifelong trauma and internalized homophobia. To reclaim this religious space through Catholic Fairytales, I imagine a religion which accepts and embraces all of the beautiful queer people who inhabit it.
 |
|
|
https://www.patrickmcdowell.co.uk/ https://www.positiveeast.org.uk/
Labels: 2021, Fairytale Catholics, fashuin, Patrick McDowell, Positive East
