Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Why me?

The clothes line

Jarvis Cocker
Monday 26 June 1995 18:02 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Last week, a second-year college student sold a pair of her own design pale blue pearly loafers for pounds 5,100. Women regularly fork out pounds 200 for their spindly Manolo Blahniks, but more than pounds 5,000 for some strange- looking footwear designed by a mere student?

These were no ordinary shoes, however. They were designed for Jarvis Cocker, the gangly, bespectacled singer of the pop group Pulp. His unnatural penchant for footwear gave the shoes an added edge of desirability. Also sold were a bandage and blood outfit made by students for David Bowie (for pounds 1,100), a Sellotape dress designed by New RenaisCAnce for Bryan Ferry (pounds 1,600) and numerous other fashion items made under the direction of members of the pop world to raise money for War Child, the charity that sends aid to children in Croatia and Bosnia. The clothes are now on show in the windows of Fenwick, in New Bond Street.

It was Jarvis who stole the show as he creaked his way down the catwalk feigning old age by carrying a walking stick. All eyes were on the shiny baby-blue shoes designed by Cecilia Vanman, a student at Cordwainers College of Shoe Design in London. It must be reassuring for Jarvis to know that if he is ever short of a few bob, he can always try his hand at shoe design.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in