DALLAS, May 4, 2007/ FW/ --- With ecology and global warming as a common concern worldwide, fashion designer cum activist Vivienne Westwood made her statement on the Paris runway last February when she unveiled her Fall 2007 collection.

With a big tree as backdrop, the models almost devoid of make-up, the British designer sent on the runway cable knitted scarves and shawls teamed with cotton and cotton knits tubular dresses with ruffles as the only embellishment.

There were references to Africa and a seeming statement of ‘Mother Earth, Father Tree and the African wilderness,’ as seen on the stylized prints of wild animals. Nor furs were shown, while the collection was all made from natural fibers.

A two-sided long cape made with a loom was teamed with a sarong skirt, it’s graphical color block created from the traditional weaving of fabric. An off-the-shoulder cocktail dress was created with layers of different types of fabric, from solid to plaid to crocheted lace.

With the material cut to the shape of leaves, it was constructed to become skirts, pants and blouses, even a cape that was held together by buttons.

For Dame Westwood, this was a subtle statement. There were no words printed on shirts proclaiming her intent. She allowed the clothes to do the talking and the seriousness of the environmental issue to pervade our consciousness.

Vivienne Westwood

Vivienne Westwood

Vivienne Westwood