Fashion has the power to define generations and movements, and America is no stranger to powerful and political fashion.
In the 1800s, women began to rebel against restrictive and tight fashions. Amelia Bloomer, founder of the feminist paper The Lily, began the trend of women in pants with her Bloomer costume.
According The Household (1874), “That our dress may be more healthful, it must first be made looser about the waist, as loose as a mans.” The early 20th century saw suffragettes sporting purple, white and gold fashions during marches and protests.
White symbolized purity and virtue and was used to counteract the negative stigma of early suffrage movement. The later feminist movement used the burning of bras to symbolize the fight for equality. Counterculture fashion swept the nation as way of rebelling against the traditional American dream and conformist 1950’s image.
Handmade fashions and psychedelic patterns served as backdrops for protest against the Vietnam War, the fight for civil rights and the growing distrust of the government. The 21st century has seen an explosion of political fashion statements. During the #MeToo movement, many celebrities and politicians showed support through wearing all black.
The 2019 State of the Union address had democratic congresswomen wearing red lipstick and white suits as a callback to the earlier suffrage movement. The 2022 Met Gala saw political messaging ranging from classicism to feminism to LGBTQIA+ rights. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wore a “Tax the Rich” dress. Cara Delevigne wore a “Peg the Patriarchy” top, and Dan Levy wore a custom suit displaying two men kissing.
Today, design activism is the new wave of political fashion.
Designers across the board are producing garments with political messaging, leading campaigns and organization that support minority businesses and working to make more ethical and sustainable businesses.
Gen Z is the most politically conscious in recent times, leading the fashion industry into politics more than ever before.
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