Belinda Carlisle ‘thrilled’ to model Stonewall’s new range with history-making designer

Belinda Carlisle says she’s “thrilled” to work with LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall as it launches a new range with fashion brand Scotty and Mirko (S&M).

The brand is the brainchild of history-making designer Scott Henshall, and his creative partner Mirko Albertin.

Henshall became the youngest designer to have a solo show at London Fashion Week in 1998, aged just 22. He’s also the man behind the “world’s most expensive dress” – a £5million diamond-encrusted cobweb frock singer Samantha Mumba wore at the Spider-Man 2 premiere in 2004.

He became luxury brand Mulberry’s youngest-ever creative director too, and he was also the creative force behind Jemini’s wardrobe at the 2003 Eurovision Song Contest. Jemini, in their own right, made history that year as the first UK act to score nil points.

Now, Henshall and Albertin’s brand S&M has partnered with Stonewall for a new range, just in time for London Pride.

The line features Henshall’s chimera creation, of a unicorn polar bear on T-shirts, bags and other accessories.

Henshall says: “I wanted to give something back to the community that has given me so much over the years and specifically to Stonewall, a charity that has led the way in changing laws, hearts and minds.

“I love designing, and I love coming up with new ideas and new ways to bring fabulosity and a smile to people’s faces. I think my unicorn polarbear range is going to do all of that and much more.”

Henshall took the idea for a collaboration to Stonewall earlier this year, and it’s now set to launch in Soho, London today (16 June).

“I’ll be unveiling everything at Pride London’s pop-up shop in Walker’s Court,” he says. “It’s an exclusive event for Stonewall’s ambassadors, but the range will be available to anyone who wants to drop by from Wednesday 17 June to Sunday 5 July. We’re also selling everything via Stonewall’s website so you can get the look in time for London Pride.”

The pop-up will be open from midday to 6pm during those dates.

Belinda Carlisle is one of the first famous faces who were excited to support Henshall’s collab with Stonewall, though his contact list features plenty other eager names.

He says: “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.”

Carlisle, known for legendary tracks like “Heaven is a Place on Earth”, jumped at the chance to support the new line.

Modelling one of the tees ahead of her support act performance on Take That’s UK tour, she says: “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.”

Henshall says: “Belinda is a dear friend and is beautiful inside and out – a true ally for our community – and I can think of no one more perfect to slay our collaboration. And how hot does she look!”

Stonewall’s Director of Communications, Strategy and External Affairs Catherine Riley is excited to see the range go live too.

“We’re so grateful to Scott for his energy and tireless creativity in bringing this collab to life, and in doing so supporting Stonewall’s work to create a world where all LGBTQ+ people feel safe, valued and able to thrive,” she says.

She adds: “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.

“There is more, new and important work to be done to sustain and advance what progress we’ve made.”

To shop the S&M X Stonewall range go to https://shop.stonewall.org.uk.

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