How Fashion is Influencing Political and Social Change

by: meg lindley

Now more than ever, people are using their influence to push their political and social agenda forward. Whether these influencers are celebrities, designers, artists, or activists, they have all found a way to get involved and spread awareness. Fashion designers in particular have an amazing platform, to not only exercise their creativity, but to explore ways they can make an impact and fight for change through their collections. For New York Fashion Week, the social agendas were certainly not forgotten and we can only hope that it pushes us closer to rebuilding the world to be a more compassionate and safe space.

social justice

Through fashion, influencers are keeping the Black Lives Matter movement a constant part of the conversation. Regina King styled her Schiaparelli blazer with a “Say Her Name” Breonna Taylor t-shirt for the Emmy awards ensuring that millions would be impacted. Uzo Aduba also joined her in honoring Breonna Taylor during her acceptance speech as well.

Regina King wearing a “Say Her Name” Breonna Taylor Shirt during her Emmy’s acceptance speech

Many high fashion designers are embracing minimal, yet emotionally charged graphics. Botter, a brand created by two designers from the Caribbean, released an emotional manifesto along with their Spring 2021 presentation that took a stand “against violence on any community,” and are “against racism, ignorance and lack of empathy”. Jason Wu uses this same bold style to design a face mask in collaboration with the “Distance yourself from Hate” campaign, which he wore at his Spring 2021 runway show in NYC.

Jason Wu in “Distance Yourself From Hate” Mask worn at his Spring 21 Fashion Show in NYC

get out and vote

The distractions, minimal resources and extreme emotions as a result of the Coronavirus will have a huge impact on the upcoming Presidential election. Much like the social justice movement, bold and literal graphics are working to keep the conversations alive around the need to get out and vote. Hopefully the effort will result in a true reflection of democracy at work.

Christian Siriano made this initiative a big part of his Collection shown during New York Fashion Week. Sure to make a statement he included flat brimmed hats, a long dress, gloves, and of course masks with a bold VOTE print. Zac Posen donned the same type of bold design on his face mask while draping couture dresses in Central Park. Unfortunately, Zac Posen’s business shuttered at the end of last year but that hasn’t stopped him from exercising his creativity and celebrating the new found energy of NYC.

Christian Siriano Fashion Show at his home in Connecticut // Photo by Dan Lecca

Zac Posen drapes dresses on mannequins in Central Park in NYC for September Fashion Week in a VOTE mask

Brandon Maxwell launched “I Voted” sweatshirts and patches on National Voter Registration Day. The proceeds will be donated to a non-profit organization, One Million of Us, which promotes and empowers young people to register to vote. Maxwell has been very involved in spreading the word on the importance of voting in the election. He has an action button on his website that allows you to register to vote, or check whether you are registered. We have shared it below, so that you can find out any information you need to vote in just a few minutes.

Brandon Maxwell // Available now via BrandonMaxwellonline.com

Health Crisis

Masks have become the newest and most essential accessory. Designers completely switched gears in the Spring to fill that need as quickly as they could, as the need for anything besides loungewear was almost non-existent. It quickly turned into a fashion statement but also a political one. The country has been divided between those that believe in wearing masks and those that don’t. Most creatives have embraced our “new normal” with open arms instead of fighting it. As a result there are a plethora of new mask designs, they have a new outlet for their creativity, and a way to show what side of the fight they are on.

Lady Gaga at the VMA’s wearing a clear helmet by Muscarella and a silver jacket by Area

In the most recent look books, we have seen matching printed or patterned masks resulting in a bold head-to-toe look such as Alice and Olivia, who is known for her quirky colors and details. In a less practical way, Hian Tjen has created the most beautiful couture masks that are hand stitched and beaded. One of their masterpieces could easily be spotted on Zendaya on the red carpet. Lady Gaga had her own red carpet moment at the VMA’s rocking a clear helmet and silver jacket by Area. She wore 9 different outfits that night, all outfitted with a different type of face mask. If we must wear a mask, let’s try to make the best of it shall we?

Harper’s Bazaar Magazine cover featuring Hian Tjen couture face mask

It is inspiring to see so many people using their platforms to stand up for what they believe in. Hopefully it will influence people to do what they can in their own lives to make a difference. Only time will tell whether the political and social issues will continue to make an appearance within the fashion industry. My guess is, this trend isn’t going anywhere.