Can Fashion be Political?
- Carly Gegelman
- Feb 27, 2021
- 2 min read
On the surface, it seems like fashion and politics are in two different realms when it comes to culture and influence. In reality, fashion and politics go hand in hand. The actual history of fashion itself is very political and nowadays, I would argue that fashion can be used as a way to bring awareness to political issues that the general public would otherwise not be aware of. Fashion is heavily linked to popular culture and can reach audiences of all ages and backgrounds. In this blog, I will describe the most recent ways that fashion has been a pathway for activism.
For the 2020 election, fashion was used more than ever as a way to advocate for people to get to the polls. American fashion designer, Christian Siriano created a “Vote” print that was worn by celebrities like Lizzo, Laura Linney, and Julianne Moore. Lizzo wore the print to the 2020 Billboard Music Awards, whose main demographics are ages 18-49, exposing millions of eligible voters to the message. Siriano continued the “Vote” print into his Spring 2021 collection and released a face mask covered in the print.
Christian Siriano Via Twitter
https://twitter.com/CSiriano/status/1307043001559068672?s=20
Bethany Williams, an up-and-coming fashion designer based in the UK, partnered with supermarkets to make a collection that was not only sustainable, but bringing awareness to the hunger crisis in the UK. Thirty percent of the proceeds from the collection were donated back to the community through a local food bank. The fashion industry is a leader in greenhouse gas emissions and for a designer to recognize that as well as another social justice issue is very powerful and inspiring.
Bethany Williams for Dazed
https://dazedimg-dazedgroup.netdna-ssl.com/483/azure/dazed-prod/1150/4/1154974.jpg
In 2019, Prabal Gurung, a Nepalese-American fashion designer, took to New York’s Fashion Week to amplify silenced voices. His diverse group of models walked the runways in bold sashes that read “Who gets to be American?” He wanted to celebrate the cultures and backgrounds of many different people and give them a space in America. He spoke specifically of immigrants and their children and how they are as much American as anyone else. Today, Gurung uses his platform to continue talking about important issues, including putting his voice behind the #StopAsianHate campaign.
Getty Images
The most important part of the role of fashion in politics is bringing awareness to issues through something accessible. Whether it be bringing awareness to voting, hunger, or immigration, designers have the influence to make a positive impact.
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