Using Fashion as a Platform for Positive Action
Do clothes you wear make a statement? Do you “Dress for Change”?
“The universal language of fashion fosters unity, connection, and understanding, resonating with soft power principles that embrace cultural richness and harmony on a global stage. It's diplomacy, wrapped in the elegance of fabric and design, a bridge that transcends geography and time.”
Nirbhay Rana - faculty member at IILM University Gurugram
Fashion has the power to transcend mere clothing. It's a language we speak visually, a way to express ourselves and turn heads. Whether it's a bold colour choice, a captivating silhouette, or an unexpected accessory, fashion can be a conversation starter, a confidence booster, and even a form of silent rebellion. Throughout the ages humans have worn fashion to make themselves feel more confident, turn heads and make a statement. At the same time, others choose not to wear clothes to draw attention to themselves.
We want to look at how humans, especially those with a powerful platform have used fashion to make statements and draw the worlds attention to issues, policies and movements that are being overlooked, buried by governments or not been taken seriously. Has fashion activism changed? Is it being used more and more to bring important values and issues to the forefront of our minds?
Fashion Revolution: From Runway to Rebellion
Whilst the world of fashion is often associated with glamour, trends, and high-priced labels, underneath the glossy veneer lies a complex industry with a significant environmental and social impact. This is where fashion activism steps in, using clothing as a tool to challenge the status quo and push for a more ethical and sustainable future. It's a multifaceted movement tackling issues like:
Fast fashion's dark side: The industry's reliance on cheap production often comes at the expense of garment workers, many facing unfair wages and unsafe working conditions. Fashion activism raises awareness about these issues, advocating for fair labour practices.
Environmental impact: The fashion industry is a major polluter, contributing to water pollution, textile waste, and greenhouse gas emissions. Activists are promoting sustainable practices, encouraging the use of recycled materials and ethical production processes.
Diversity and body image: For too long, fashion has perpetuated unrealistic beauty standards and limited representation. Fashion activism champions inclusivity, celebrating all body types and ethnicities on the runway and in campaigns.
Fashion with a Message
“The fashion industry was built on secrecy and elitism; it was opaque. Transparency is disruptive – in that sense, it's a breath of fresh air and a useful weapon of change.”
– Orsola De Castro, co-founder of Fashion Revolution
We see celebrities using red carpets to champion social justice issues through their clothing choices all the time. From sustainability statements to raising awareness for charities, fashion has the power to spark conversations and inspire action. There are plenty of examples of celebrities using their platform, we’ve chosen a couple of our favourites.
Lady Gaga and THE dress made of meat
She had the dress made and said to Vogue in 2021.
"It smelled like meat. It was thrilling to wear. There's a corset under [it] but the corset was sewn to the meat. So, this is actually a garment. They didn't just drape meat over me and cross their fingers."
- Lady Gaga
The reason? To support the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, which forced gay and lesbian service members into hiding. For 17 years, this discriminatory law barred qualified Americans from serving their country openly, promoting a message of intolerance. Lady Gaga, ever the advocate for equality, addressed the issue on the Ellen DeGeneres Show. She argued that if people don't fight for their rights, they'll be left with as few rights as "the meat on their bones."
So, what happened? Well… President Barack Obama, along with his top military advisors, repealed this policy in 2011.
Alexandria Ocasio Cortez
Forget stuffy suits and predictable pantsuits! Political figures are increasingly using fashion as a powerful platform. Take Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, for example. At the extravagant 2021 Met Gala, the American politician turned heads with a bold white dress emblazoned with the message "TAX THE RICH" in red. This wasn't just a fashion choice; it was a deliberate statement aimed at the wealthy elite attending the event and beyond. AOC's dress sparked conversations about economic inequality, proving that fashion can be a powerful political tool.
Reese Witherspoon
The 2018 Golden Globes marked a pivotal moment in the #MeToo movement. A wave of actresses, including Reese Witherspoon, used the red carpet as a platform to speak out against sexual harassment in Hollywood and beyond. As a vocal advocate for gender equality, she stood in solidarity with survivors by wearing black and participating in the #TimesUp initiative. This movement, founded by a group of powerful women in entertainment, aimed to dismantle the culture of silence surrounding sexual abuse. Beyond the colour of her dress, Reese used her platform to discuss the movement in interviews or social media, further amplifying the message and empowering other victims to come forward.
“As consumers we have so much power to change the world by just being careful in what we buy.” – Emma Watson, actress and activist
But these celebrities are not the first to use fashion as a strong statement…
Fashion as a Silent Rebellion: A Historical Look
Think about the iconic image of Rosie the Riveter flexing her muscles in a red bandana and overalls during World War II. This wasn't just a cool outfit; it was a symbol of female empowerment and a call to action for women to enter the workforce.
Throughout history, fashion has played a fascinating dual role. It reflects societal norms, but it can also be a tool to challenge them. Pinpointing the exact birth of fashion activism is tricky. Limited historical records make it difficult to track the earliest examples, and our modern concept of politics itself is a relatively recent development.
However, instances of fashion as rebellion are fascinating. From the late 18th century Spanish ladies who defied French fashion dominance by dressing as lower-class "majas." Early 20th century suffragettes similarly used white clothing as a symbol of their fight for voting rights.
The true rise of fashion activism, though, came with the civil rights and Black liberation movements of the 1960s. Denim workwear became a symbol of Black activism, and the Black Panther Party's iconic black leather uniforms and berets served as more than just clothing. They were a deliberate statement celebrating Black beauty and challenging dominant cultural norms. These powerful examples continue to influence the fashion industry today.
The power of clothing is also symbolic, but sometimes lead to myths in activism. A prime example: the infamous image of bra-burning feminists in the late 1960s; highlighting how fashion can spark conversation about political issues.
Women's fashion in particular is a constant negotiation between social norms and rebellion. Corsets, often demonised by critics but a complex piece with historical nuances. And more recently where fashion activism took centre stage. The now-iconic pink "pussyhats" stand out for their DIY origins and enduring symbolism. These hats transcended a single event, becoming a powerful and versatile tool for expressing solidarity and dissent.
(I think we will visit this historical piece another time!)
Whilst not all of us are models (well not anymore 😉), and we don’t walk on catwalks, but pavements, we don’t have big platforms, but we have Social Media; we are not on TV, but we are in circles of friends.
What can we do to get messages across? We can get conversations going and keep them going. You don't always need a megaphone to be a fashion activist.
Here are ways you can make a difference:
Be a conscious consumer: Research brands and their practices before you buy. Look for ethical certifications and companies committed to sustainability.
Embrace pre-loved fashion: Give vintage clothing a second life by shopping at thrift stores or participating in clothing swaps.
Get crafty with upcycling: Breathe new life into old clothes by adding patches, dyeing them, or tailoring them to your unique style.
Use your voice: Share your fashion choices and the stories behind them on social media. Support brands and organizations pushing for positive change.
Fashion activism isn't just about what you wear, it's about the message you send. By making informed choices and using your wardrobe as a platform, you can be a part of the movement towards a more ethical and sustainable fashion industry.
Read more about what you can do on our blog – Rock Your Style, Save The Planet
By making conscious choices about what we wear, we can collectively influence the fashion industry. The rise of sustainable brands and ethical consumerism shows that there's a growing desire for fashion that does good.
So next time you get dressed, remember: your outfit can be more than just a reflection of your style. It can be a voice for change.
Let's continue the conversation! Share your thoughts on using fashion for activism in the comments below.
