A Danish model brought a Palestinian flag onto the runway during Copenhagen Fashion Week on Thursday, using the platform to display a political message. The flag bore the words “Act now – Against genocide”.
Unplanned protest with Palestinian flag during Marimekko show
The event occurred during Finnish brand Marimekko‘s fashion show. The model, whose identity has not been confirmed, walked down the catwalk holding the large flag in front of her body. Marimekko’s Communications Director, Anna Tuominen, stated in a written response that the action was not part of the planned concept.
“Our recent fashion show was the result of months of work to celebrate beauty and craftsmanship. We respect and support individuals’ rights to express their opinions, but the incident was not part of the show’s concept,” Tuominen said.
She added that the model completed her walk but did not participate in the remainder of the presentation, as the brand wanted to maintain the original visual expression of the collection.
Marimekko also underlined that, while it recognises the humanitarian situation in Gaza, the company does not take positions on current political issues.
Rare political statement on the runway
According to Amalie Thejls Uebel, journalist at Fashion Forum, such politically charged acts are uncommon during Copenhagen Fashion Week.
“There are occasional happenings, but I do not think I have seen it in this way before, with a model bringing a political message onto the catwalk on her own initiative. It is fairly atypical,” she noted.
