Politics in Fashion

A Breakdown of the Environmental Impact of Fashion

Politics in Fashion — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 02:10:16 GMT

We all love a little retail therapy, but do we think enough about the impact that the industry has on the planet? It may have a positive effect on us personally, but in turn, the planet receives the negative end. We’re going to take a dive into the uncomfortable perspective of the environmental impression that we are leaving through the fashion industry.

The creation of fashion is responsible for 10% of the world’s carbon emissions. Though you’ve probably heard that statistic, do we really understand what it means? Let’s break it down.

Carbon emissions are the production and release of carbon dioxide, or other greenhouse gases, into the atmosphere. It’s a form of pollution. So things like driving, the production of meat in the food industry, and plastic disposable products all release greenhouse gases into the air. They’re called greenhouse gases because, when they are released, they act like the glass of a literal greenhouse. It intensifies heat radiation in the atmosphere. The primary areas where the fashion industry causes the most pollution are in the dyeing and finishing process, yarn preparation, and fiber production. This is why fast fashion is so problematic. These fast fashion brands create so many garments, in such a short amount of time, and their effect on the planet is detrimental.

The dyeing and finishing process of creating textiles uses the most amount of water. Not only that, but this process also includes petrochemicals (chemical compounds made up of natural gas and petroleum) and other toxic elements. So, how can we alter these methods to be less destructive?

Purchasing products that are dyed using naturally derived resources is one way we can reduce our carbon footprint in the industry. Not only does it better protect the planet, but it better protects our skin as well. The toxic chemicals that are used in creating textiles can be absorbed through the skin and can have negative impacts on our health. So, that’s even more of a reason to reach for the naturally dyed garment rather than the cheaper, toxic option.

There’s a substance used with natural dyes called a mordant. A mordant is a metallic salt that helps the natural dye cling to the fabric. The metallic salts used are usually copper or chromium, which are damaging to the water. So, researchers discovered that there are other substances that can be used as mordants called bio-mordants. They’re made up of biological materials.

An alternative for using a mordant is binders, like soy milk, that connect chemicals to create the bond between the fabric and the dye, but it can weaken over time. Another binding alternative is tannins, which are also not mordants. They don’t make the dye and fabric inseparable, but they work better than soy milk. Lastly, there are other alternative processes like indigo dyeing, acid dyeing, and solvent dyeing that don’t require mordants.

As for production, it’s best to avoid deriving from fibers like polyester and nylon because they take 20 to 200 years to biodegrade. Acrylic should be avoided as well because it can also take up to 200 years to break down. Conventional cotton is one of the most common, but the production of it is incredibly damaging to the environment. The cotton fields grown for conventional cotton fabrics are sprayed with harmful pesticides, making it toxic for workers. The creation of a single conventional cotton shirt involves using 700 gallons of water and polluting that water with chemicals and dyes. Rayon, aka viscose, is deceiving as it is advertised as a “sustainable” alternative for cotton or polyester, but it actually releases a heavy amount of toxins into the air and water. The mass production of it also puts forests at risk due to deforestation, because it is a plant-derived fabric.

Now, for better yarn options. One to keep an eye out for is organic or recycled cotton. It’s less harmful to the planet because the cotton grown in organic cotton fields isn’t sprayed with any harmful pesticides, and there aren’t any harmful chemicals used in the production of organic or recycled cotton fabrics. Hemp is another better option to reach for, as it uses much less water and is extremely durable. Linen, made from flax, also uses less water to produce, and it’s a great fabric for summertime due to its breathability. Tencel is made from wood pulp. It not only uses less water to make, but the vast majority of the water and solvents it uses can be recycled! The last two are recycled polyester and econyl. They are both made from waste material and are perfect examples of “reduce, reuse, recycle”.

In the finishing process of garment production, there’s a method called surface modification. During surface modification, they alter the surface of the garment to make it more durable and higher quality. So, when you notice a garment is stain resistant, holds its vibrancy, or is water resistant, know that those qualities were assembled during the surface modification portion of the finishing process.

There are four main procedures used for surface modification: oxidation, grafting, crosslinking, and plasma treatment. Oxidation adds reactive groups and helps with the fabric absorbing the dye. Grafting adds polymers for hydrophobic (water-repellant) and antimicrobial fabrics. Crosslinking connects molecules to increase the durability of the fabric. Plasma treatment is one of the most sustainable methods of surface modification. It changes the surface energy and helps enhance the fabric’s durability, water absorption or water repellency, functionality, as well as increasing its dyeability and printability.

Every step of garment manufacturing has an impact on the environment. It’s easy to ignore these facts and just go for the most affordable, popular option. But when we invest in a more durable product that will not only last you longer, but is more environmentally friendly, it ends up being a better choice in the long run. So, next time you’re shopping for a new piece, check then tags! Because we really have to keep all of this in mind when making our fashion choices. So, here’s a list of companies that prioritize minimizing their environmental impact every year.

Every financial decision we make, down to the clothes we buy, says something about what we stand for politically. Will we choose overconsumption and harmful consumption? Or will we choose the morally conscious, road-less-traveled option? It’s not overthinking, and it is that serious. Because everything is political. Even fashion.

References:

Summer 2026 Fashion Inspiration

Politics in Fashion — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 23:45:25 GMT

The sun is searing, the east coast humidity is steaming, and summer is letting us know it’s here. Today, we will be talking about what’s in this summer. Similar to spring, bright colours are prevalent. We’re still seeing patterns everywhere. Athleisure is here to stay. In today’s summer overview, my list of trends was generated from what I’ve seen celebrities, models, and everyday people wear out and about this summer. So let’s get started.

With the NBA Finals last month, and the World Cup happening right now, I wanted to point out a trend that has become extremely popular as of recently. Sports jerseys. I swear it, everyday I step foot outside my house, I see someone wearing a sports jersey. I even see ads for sports jerseys with things I like on them. They’re everywhere right now! In true PiF fashion, I’m going to make it political because I want to plug a jersey I keep seeing: this pro Palestine jersey. Jerseys are not my style, but if they’re yours, go get this one!

Next up is baggy, flowy clothing. Maxi dresses, longline shorts, oversized tops. Just make it breathable! This summer is a HOT one, so we’re focusing on functionality and comfort. We need as much ventilation as possible. Breathable fabrics like silk and sheer fabrics are very common. I love this trend because loose and airy garments are both practical and chic.

For my eccentric fashionistas, there’s more lively trends going on right now for you! First are statement pieces. They were in this spring too, but they’re even more trendy now. There’s specifically a focus on texture. Whether it’s frillies, ruffles, lace, fur or lovely draping, I’m noticing everything I’m seeing people wear has so much texture.

Next, a trend I’m loving to see people sport is fun denim. I’m seeing denim jackets, bedazzled denim jeans, denim sets. It is a denim summer!

Speaking of sets, matching patterned top and bottom sets are so fashionable right now. I’m seeing this more with celebrities than everyday people, but I need to see that change!

An unexpected one, for me, is the dropped waist dresses which have been a popular choice for celebrities. This was the most interesting and unique one, in my opinion. I would love to see more everyday people wearing dropped waist dresses.

As for accessories, pointed heels, extra large bags, and bag charms are most of what I’m seeing this summer.

Overall, this summer is about fun. Even in the sweltering heat, we have fun with it in our flowy outfits, fun patterns, and best of all, our inner vibrance. Fashion brings joy to people, even those who aren’t into fashion like that. You never know, an outfit or a piece of your outfit can make someone smile or catch their eye. That could be the most positive, nostalgic, or present moment of their day. So we spread just a little bit of love through fashion. We need to stay spirited in our fashion choices during these extremely negative times in the world because everything is political. Even fashion.

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All photo credits: Getty Images.

Mental Health and Fashion

Politics in Fashion — Fri, 29 May 2026 03:42:26 GMT

It’s been a minute since my last article. I suffer from multiple mental health disorders, and it makes it hard for me to maintain creativity and motivation. I was hospitalized last week, and I actually feel more hopeful than I have ever felt after leaving the hospital. Which brings me to the topic of today’s article: the connection between mental health and fashion.

I have many different sides of me: dark and mysterious, girly and cutesy, sexy and seductive, whimsical and almost childlike, the list goes on. I am also genderfluid. Some days I want to be as androgynous as possible. Some days I want to embody the divine feminine. Some days I want to be seen solely as a man. So, my style is constantly changing day by day.

Another aspect that affects how I dress is my mental health. I noticed that if I’m feeling good, I put more effort in and pay attention to the little details of every part of my outfits. When I feel down, I don’t even care about if what I’m wearing is clean or not. So all of these components are taken into account whilst getting ready for the day. Clothing, to me, is like art, and our bodies are the canvases. I love that we can wake up every morning to a blank canvas and we dress ourselves to become a new walking piece of art everyday. Then, the next day, we can reset and create something new. It’s like one of those Buddha Boards.

What I want to explore and put a microscope on today is how fashion can affect our mental health negatively and positively as well as how we can help manage our mental health through our shared love for fashion. I know I need this article, so I’m writing it for us all.

Let’s first touch on the basics—how fashion makes us feel. Fashion makes us, lovers of it, feel happy, excited, and motivated. We build our Pinterest boards full of inspiration that align with us, and we get excited to dress how we truly want to. You can express yourself and wear your personality on your sleeve. You can say a lot, politically, through what you wear. It gives you a sense of self, of individuality. It can give us confidence and, ultimately, make a positive impact on our lives.

It can also have the adverse effect, though. Sometimes, it can make us feel like we’re not good enough. If you’re into high fashion brands, you may have experienced this. You can’t afford those Prada loafers or the Bottega pouch, so you feel lame. You don’t want to get dupes; you NEED the brand name to be chic. This is obviously not true, but we convince ourselves of these outrageous expectations and “standards”. It can feel almost competitive, which brings us down if you’re a person living a normal life and are not in a higher tax bracket.

So, in my opinion, we have a choice to make. We can let fashion take away our confidence and make us self conscious—let it defeat us and force us into blending in with the mundane. Or we can use fashion as a tool for self expression and a chance to display our uniqueness without caring about the societal standards that the high fashion world can push on us at times. You know what the most high fashion, chic thing you can do is? Be unapologetically YOU, loudly and proudly.

Now, I want to talk about aesthetics. Some may think that if you’re depressed, you’ll veer more towards darker colours and more oversized clothing, but I cannot disagree more. I wear oversized clothing almost everyday, even if my mood is great, and I naturally reach for darker colours the majority of the time. Some may judge others for their aesthetic, but I think that’s immature.

Who cares if they’re a “hipster”, they may be a really deep and multidimensional person. They may have an eccentric vibe to their style, but they may also be a person of few words. You may think a piece is tacky, but someone else may find it to be their most worn piece in their wardrobe. What I’m getting at is not everyone’s ideal aesthetic is the same, so we should not judge others for how they express themselves. Also, we should not be scared to embrace the aesthetics we naturally gravitate to.

Stop trying to fit in because it will just bring you down and make you depressed trying to keep up with something you’re not even actually interested in. My advice is DO YOU. Oh well if it’s cringe to someone else; as long as it makes you feel happy and good about yourself, that is all that matters. I promise you that you will eventually find others who align with you in the aspect of fashion aesthetics, which will then expand your sense of community. Your mental health will improve when you accept yourself for who you are, and you will find your people along the way.

I could continue writing about this for days, but the last matter I’ll touch on is how we can use fashion as a tool for supporting your mental health. Like I said in the beginning, my mental health can get bad to a point where my creativity and motivation just die out and I stop doing things I enjoy and it just continues to go downhill from there. I’m sure many of you can relate. Well, in my current recovery process, I’ve been learning new skills: distraction skills, soothing skills, coping skills.

I wanted to create my own list of skills that I’m going to call “fashion therapy skills” to help me and, hopefully, you too. I’ve learned that making collages is a good distraction skill, so one fashion therapy skill you can start doing is making collages based off a certain aesthetic. It could be an aesthetic that you incorporate into your own style or just an aesthetic that you enjoy looking at or are curious about. Shifting your thoughts to searching for a specific aesthetic can help distract you from overwhelming or upsetting thoughts. You can make these collages on Pinterest, but I, personally, prefer doing physical collages.

Another fashion therapy skill is planning a really good outfit and saving it for a really bad day. You want to make sure that this outfit is comfortable but also makes you feel confident and overall better about yourself outwardly. Try to add a piece that you love but don’t wear too often, so it feels refreshing, new, and fun. Even plan down to the accessories. Write down the components of the outfit, so you can go back and reference it when you’re having a bad day so you don’t have to think about anything when you get ready. Hopefully, this will help make you feel better outside in during a bad day.

Help me build on this! Think of other therapeutic skills or tasks you can do relating to fashion that can help your mental health, and comment them below!

Fashion Icons of the 60s

Politics in Fashion — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 01:35:12 GMT

Today, I want to go back in time. Let’s take a trip to the 60’s when mini skirts and mod fashion were popularized, hippie culture pushed the anti-war movement, and the Black Panther Party (who I talk about in a previous article) stood up for civil rights. We’re going to look at female fashion icons from that decade and dive into why they were so iconic.

I want to start off with a fashion icon who I admire dearly, Audrey Hepburn. We all know her as the beloved, playful actress in cult classics like Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Roman Holiday. Most remember her as a dedicated philanthropist beyond her career. What many people don’t know, though, is her past in the German-occupied Netherlands. She had an uncle who was a notable character in the anti-Nazi movement, and he was executed by Nazis after being falsely accused of an attempted attack. As a ballerina growing up, she faced an ultimatum—join the Nazi artists’ union or give up performing. She chose to stop performing. Eventually, she started working for a doctor who was part of the resistance. She then started to do underground performances to raise money for the resistance. Being so involved, she would deliver messages and secret newspapers within the resistance. This all happened when she was just a teenager.

Audrey Hepburn was an icon in many aspects. She was a quintessential actress of her time. Her simple, yet elegant style made her a figure in the fashion world. She was a humanitarian icon as well, as she worked with UNICEF to advocate for children’s rights. Her influential work, in many areas, gave more power to the resistance, which is so iconic. Audrey Hepburn was, and still is, someone to look up to, not just in fashion, but in life. She stood up for what she believed in all throughout her life, and we can definitely learn something from her and the way she lived.

The next fashion icon I want to discuss is Naomi Sims. She was a prominent figure in the black community as she took strides to push through the fashion world and make a difference.

After she graduated high school, she went to the famous Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC. This was also when she started to model. As she was trying to break into modeling, many turned her away at first for being “too dark”. Eventually, she got a photographer to shoot her for the New York Times fashion supplement as well as an agency to send them out to help promote her. This worked, and she quickly got plenty of modelling jobs. She went on to be in a national TV campaign for AT&T, becoming the first black model to be featured on the cover of Ladies’ Home Journal and Life magazine, and was given the Model of the Year award in 1968. After taking modeling jobs back to back over the span of 5 years, she retired.

Naomi wasn’t just an icon in the fashion world, but she was also a successful businesswoman. After she retired, she opened a beauty business selling wigs and cosmetics made for black women. She also wrote a handful of books. Naomi Sims trailblazed the way for the future black women who are now working in the modeling, fashion, beauty, and business world. Her impact made it possible for black women to succeed in these different fields today.

Lastly, I want to talk about the Bollywood star, Sadhana Shivdasani. In 1960, she blew up when she played the leading actress in Love in Simla. She immediately became an icon with her famous fringe haircut, inspired by the previously mentioned Audrey Hepburn, and winged eyeliner. She brought a westernized look to Bollywood, not just with her haircut, but by wearing more form fitting churidar-kurtas in her movies. Sadhana opened the doors for Indian women to express themselves in a different, unique way.

Sadhana had range. She was diverse in the roles she would play in movies. She was featured in rom coms, dramas, action movies, but what she was best known for was thrillers. She was known as the “Mystery Girl” after a thriller trilogy she starred in came out. Girls in India were copying her style and her mannerisms. Sadhana was an iconic figure in film, fashion, and progressiveness in Indian culture, influencing generations of Indian women around the world to be different and to stand out from the norm. We can all take something from her take on fashion and dedication to her craft.

Source

All three of these women represent different communities, however, they share a few things in common. They share their hard work, their trendsetting styles, and their ability to invigorate generations of women to expand their horizons and be unapologetically extraordinary. The 60s was a pivotal time in history for counterculture and being more yourself, no matter what community you’re a part of. So, stand strong in your beliefs and in who you are. Let that reflect in your fashion choices. Because everything is political. Even fashion.

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References:

Spring 2026 Fashion Mood Board

Politics in Fashion — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 19:16:04 GMT

The snow is gone, the rain is here, and the bright hue of nature is blooming. Spring is here! As we just rang in the new season, I want to discuss trends. Not just trends though, I want to present how we can A. stay on trend sustainably and ethically, and B. make it our own. As we go through them today, all of the pieces I share will be from ethical and sustainable brands.

Although I’m a winter lover, I’m going to try to embrace spring this year. So, I got to looking at the trends for this season, and things are looking brighter. Literally. Neutrals are out, bold colours are in. If you’re a more simple, neutral girly, don’t fret. On the flip side, poetcore is also trending. So, you can mix it up by using different hues and adding some layering to create your own version of the trend. If you’re more of a “I want it painted black” girly, I have some great suggestions for trends like romance where lace, silk, and delicate details are often used. My two favourite trends are unconventional silhouettes and clothes with volume. Other trends for the summer that we’ll discuss today are scarves, leather jackets, sportswear, utility style, sportswear, prints, and statement accessories/gold jewelry. We’re going to talk about not only what is popular, but some ideas on how I, personally, would style some outfits. Let’s jump in.

First, let’s explore prints. Polka dots in particular are trending right now. I don’t usually do polka dots, but I think this whole set is so cute. I would personally get the top and pair it with a leather jacket, which is trending right now too. I would add washed black jeans, and heeled boots.

This spring is bringing colours back! I wear black most of the time, but I have started to love adding in some colour lately. On my next thrift adventure, I’m going to be keeping an eye out for a bright red turtleneck. It would look perfect under a black sleeveless mini dress with red Mary Jane heels. It’s giving Gossip Girl! You can add black tights and a headband to make it more Blair Waldorf coded!

A contraposition to vibrant colours, poetcore is all the rave right now. This style involves more neutral, muted colours. Knit and crochet pieces are popular for this style as well. I know poetcore is more neutral hues, but I always incorporate black into my looks. So, my take on it will be a little different. I love the vest look, so I think this vanilla jumper and this A-line skirt would look adorable together. And I would add my own touch in with a black loose button up under the vest and a cute pair of black heels.

Moving on to a more feminine look, we have romance, where love meets fashion. You could go for the classic silk dress and pair it with sandals or statement heels. Florals are also often used in the romantic style. This dress is the epitome of a romantic dress, in my opinion. I personally would wear this with Converse.

Now, let’s go back to the more “stand out” looks. This spring, utility pieces are trending! With pieces prioritizing durability and function, the utility style gives a “blue collar worker” vibe. This mechanic jacket and these barrel jeans would be a great outfit with my Docs that I thrifted from Depop.

Adjacent to utility, athleisure is popular right now as well. This is how I dress most of the time, mixed with streetwear, partially because of my job. I love a high neck, so when I saw this zip up and its colour, I knew I had to share it here. I would wear it with sweatpants/track pants like these and these sneakers.

My two favourite trends, that are eminent this season, are unconventional silhouettes and volume! I’m so excited for these because I love odd silhouettes and wearing oversized everything, so I’m going to have so much fun playing with new ideas for this spring. I am in love with the volume and the tent silhouette of this dress. My oxford Docs, thrifted of course, would go perfectly with it. I also would love to couple these abstract pants with either this oversized button up or this intriguing top. I would pair both of these outfits with simple black flats.

Lastly, we’ll talk accessories. Gold statement jewelry and scarves are heavily favoured this spring. I have wanted a piece from Tessa Metcalfe for years. She specializes in hand making pigeon claw jewelry. For scarves, I have to shout out Yemeni Threads . They make beautiful, vibrant scarves.

Spring is known to be a transition. Don’t be afraid to add some spice to your outfits and transform your style into something, not new, but evolved. I like to mix and match different styles together. So, I’ll leave you with some collages of outfit ideas that I personally would wear and will be channeling this spring. Information on all the brands I’ve used in these collages will be at the end.

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All items shown above:

https://www.ganni.com/en-gb/leopard-v-neck-vest-K2663.html

https://www.quince.com/women/stretch-crepe-pleated-ankle-pant-elastic?color=black&gender=women&tracker=collection_page__%2Fwomen%2Fpants__All+Products__60

https://baredfootwear.com/us/products/curruca-black-leather-monks

https://katharinalou.com/en-us/products/seren-top-brown-plaid?pr_prod_strat=pinned&pr_rec_id=527fee266&pr_rec_pid=9034721624314&pr_ref_pid=9007739142394&pr_seq=uniform

https://veiled.com/products/nadine-maxi-dress-pomegranate

https://nas-up-bkk.myshopify.com/collections/all?page=1

https://www.quince.com/women/women-organic-long-sleeve-crewneck-bodysuit?color=black&gender=women&tracker=collection_page__%2Fwomen%2Fshirts-%26-blouses__subcollections-Bodysuits__All+Products__7

https://www.nataliatrevinoamaro.com/shop/p/pink-megan-top

https://suayla.com/products/lace-baseball-jersey

https://suayla.com/products/remade-denim-jacket

https://shawq.co/products/never-forgotten-never-forgiven-stone-washed-denim-jeans

https://www.quince.com/women/stretch-crepe-classic-trouser-pant?color=sand&gender=women&tracker=collection_page__%2Fwomen%2Fpants__All%20Products__4

https://www.shopdoen.com/products/nera-top-fleurs-de-bordeaux

https://www.asbydf.com/collections/jackets/products/archer-boyfriend-blazer-mist

https://www.quince.com/women/water-repellant-windbreaker-jacket?color=praline&gender=women&tracker=collection_page__%2Fwomen%2Fjackets__subcollections-Lightweight%20Jackets__All%20Products__32

https://shawq.co/products/kuffiyah-engraved-denim-skirt

Brands mentioned and their statements on fair trade and environmental sustainability:

Nobody’s Child - https://www.nobodyschild.com/en-us/pages/about-us

Nour Hammour - https://nour-hammour.com/us-en/sustainability-and-animal-welfare

Everlane - https://www.everlane.com/pages/sustainability

Quince - https://www.quince.com/about-us?srsltid=AfmBOoosYvBG0hUh7VHVEmzx1UpPlss8AsQBK8E0xKcNP319emaotM0j

Marcella NYC - https://www.marcellanyc.com/pages/sustainability-pledge

Nisolo - https://nisolo.com/pages/leather-working-group

Lintico - https://linticoshop.com/pages/our-craftsmanship

Sezane - https://www.sezane.com/en-en/sezane-behind-the-label

Either Or - https://shopeitheror.com/pages/sustainability

Reformation - https://www.thereformation.com/sustainability.html

Linennaive - https://www.linennaive.com/pages/about-linennaive

Suay - https://suayla.com/pages/our-mission

Nagnata - https://nagnata.com/pages/about

Allwear - https://allwear.com/pages/sustainability

Veja - https://project.veja-store.com/en

Turn Black - https://www.turnblack.in/sustainability1/

Benetton - https://world.benetton.com/l/sustainability.html

Yemeni Threads - https://www.yemenithreads.com/pages/about-us

Tessa Metcalfe bio - https://www.tessametcalfe.co.uk/pages/about

Ganni - https://www.ganni.com/us/responsibility/2024-report-2025-vision.html

Bared Footwear - https://baredfootwear.com/us/articles/b-corp-recertified

Katharina Lou - https://katharinalou.com/en-us/pages/about#sustainability

Veiled - https://veiled.com/pages/about-us-1

Na’s Up (no sustainability statement, but they upcycle clothing) -

https://nas-up-bkk.myshopify.com

Natalia Trevino Amaro - https://www.nataliatrevinoamaro.com/sustainability

Shawq (no about us page, but they donate proceeds to Palestine) -

https://shawq.co/

Doen - https://www.shopdoen.com/pages/faq?a=CA-Supply-Chain-Transparency-Act---id--d3VSlmW8SEKo5bxT6Cg2NQ

AS by DF - https://www.asbydf.com/pages/sustainability

Politics in Fashion's Past (The 1900's)

Politics in Fashion — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 20:48:22 GMT

Today, we will do an overview of a few monumental fashion statements made in the mid to late 1900s. When we look back to the past, it helps us gain an understanding of how things are now. Learning about the events that brought us to where we are today, it allows us to take a step back and look at the whole picture. We get to see how far we’ve progressed and where we can improve. Let’s see what we can take from today’s talking points.

First, let’s go back to 1947 in Paris, France. It’s a year and a half post World War II. Everyone was trying to get back to what they remember normal to be, and the fashion houses in France were reemerging. Two days before Valentine’s Day, a new designer debuted. With hyper feminine silhouettes and elegant details, Christian Dior chose to bring life back to France with his debut collection after years of disarray. It included two lines: Corolle and En Huit. The highlight of the show was The Bar Suit from the Corolle line made up of a button up jacket with rounded shoulders that snatched at the waist and a long, full pleated skirt. It was known as the “New Look”.

During WWII, fashion took a downturn. Women were opting for more utilitarian clothing, and the fashion world was looking bleak. Dior changed that with his debut collection, and he did this with intention. He wanted to celebrate the end of war by bringing back some normalcy to the community through fashion. Now, let’s look at Dior as a brand nowadays. They haven’t confirmed this publicly, but their actions have shown that they support Israel. If you are unaware, Israel has been committing genocide in Palestine for the past two and a half years and have occupied Palestinian territories since 1948. Here’s the evidence.

They hired an Israeli model during their holiday campaign in 2023, after October 7th, when the resistance group, often mistaken for a terrorist group, Hamas, attacked the Israeli occupiers who have been killing Palestinians and pushing them out of their land for decades. An even bigger, more sly piece of evidence is who is in control of the corporation. LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy) owns Dior. LVMH’s CEO is Bernard Arnault. The billionaire invested $120 million dollars in an Israeli cloud security company. So, unfortunately, it is best for everyone who supports Palestine to stay away from Dior.

Fast forward to 1966 in Oakland, California, in the middle of the Civil Rights Movement. Black people, and other excluded communities, were heavily discriminated against. No well paying jobs would hire them. It seemed as though the police were on a killing spree. The black, brown, and LGBTQ+ communities were struggling.

When two college students had enough, the Black Panther Party for Self Defense was formed. Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale grew the Black Panther Party to around 2000 members, half of them being women. Their significance in the fashion world comes from their choice of uniform. All cloaked in leather jackets, and sporting black berets, they monitored the police and helped support the community.

The Black Panther party was a sub-movement to the Black Power movement. They stood up to the system against police brutality and the lack of support for marginalized groups in the community. Let’s take a deeper look into the group’s activities and probe their signature look. Huey and Bobby started off by creating a school organization called the Negro History Fact Group. After the assassination of Malcolm X, and one too many unlawful killings of black citizens, the two formed the Black Panther Party. Together, they would keep police under observation and back legal aid offices. They started a free breakfast program for kids and provided clothing, as well as transportation, to the community. They even ran a newspaper informing people on their activities. They were a controversial group, looked at as a gang to many of the general public, but they looked at themselves as a political party. They stood for inclusivity, equality, and resistance.

To represent outwardly what they stood for, they wore a uniform with significance behind it. Using the leather jacket as part of the uniform was, at the time, a choice based on what most people already had in their closets, but historically, they are a sign of rebellion and timelessness. This is fitting for them, as they were rebelling against the system and have held societal importance in American history even after the group dissolved, ultimately making them timeless. The beret serves as a sign of nonconformity and refusal to comply with the oppression they were facing. Under their berets, they styled their hair naturally with pride. For accessories, they went with sunglasses. A good choice for staying incognito from the government. They also wore buttons exhibiting different political messages, such as “Free All Political Prisoners” and “Huey For Congress”. The Black Panther Party’s influence touched many different groups in society. They even touched the fashion world with the statements that were made through their signature look. Mere proof that fashion can be-and should be-political.

I want to finish off by mentioning a clothing brand called People Tree.

Jumping to the early 1990s, during the beginning of the worldwide rise of technology, Mariah Carey, and fast fashion. People Tree was founded in Japan and was soon expanded to the UK. They have been trailblazers in fighting against fast fashion through ethical and sustainable alternatives. People Tree was founded by Safia Minney, an author who has written a handful of books about ethical and sustainable fashion (which I plan to read and review in a post in the future). Her clothing brand became the first fashion brand to receive a WFTO (World Fair Trade Organization) product label. They work with 50 fair trade groups that span across 15 countries, ensuring that everything is made with professional quality by workers who are paid justly. The world of fast fashion has normalized the horrendous underpayment of workers in different countries. People Tree fights against that with their business operations. Not only do they stand for ethical treatment of artisans from around the world, but they also make a positive impact on the earth with their efforts. From production to shipment, they choose sustainable options. They only use natural fibres, up to GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) guidelines. When textiles are being produced, certain chemicals can release toxins into the air and water. GOTS protects not only the planet, but the workers too. They ban the usage of the chemicals that can cause harm to the workers during production. No polluting dyes are used in the making of their clothes. They use low impact dyes, which use up less water and don’t contain any heavy metals. Brown paper packaging is utilized for their garments with biodegradable recycled shipping bags for shipment. For over 30 years, People Tree has stood ten toes down on their roots, unwavering in their stance on ethical treatment of workers and sustainable pathways for planet preservation.

After exploring a few of the very many collections, movements, and brands where politics and fashion are intertwined, it has opened my eyes to the fact that there is so much more history to politics in fashion than I thought. As I was researching this, I kept going down rabbit holes, and I’ve added so many more topics to my list of discussions I want to have here with you all. I have so much more coming for you guys. I thank you and appreciate you for supporting me in the early stages of this publication. Subscribe for free, and I will earn your paid subscription through the coming articles that will continue to exhibit that everything is political. Even fashion.

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Political Fashion Moves

Politics in Fashion — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 22:40:47 GMT

It’s always a powerful move when a fashion brand comes out with a political stance. It could be a campaign showing awareness to a political movement, a runway show presenting a collection that represents a political stance, or someone breaking the boundaries of the industry. Today, we will be looking at various political moves that fashion professionals have taken in recent years.

First, I want to discuss a designer who I’ve recently discovered, Marine Serre. She’s a French designer who launched in 2017. Her brand highlights environmental consciousness by using at least 50% of upcycled materials in her collections. Another political move she made was using a crescent moon and “head scarves” , partially referencing Islam, in her “Radical Call For Love” collection. There’s debate about using hijabs in runway shows possibly being cultural appropriation. As a hijabi myself, I feel mixed about it. I like that we’re given options and being put on the map. Yet, at the same time, they should really only use muslim models for the hijab looks and actually list them as hijabs and not ‘scarves'. In my opinion, her intention was good, and that’s what matters. She wanted to reach multiple different groups of people by using a universal symbol, and it worked. She is a critically acclaimed designer now, and she did it all while holding tight to her morals. She continues standing for inclusivity and ecological protection. She inspires others to live in a way that represents our values. As she stated in her interview with Ellie Pithers in British Vogue, “Everyone should get a grip on what they stand for.”

Let’s turn to the models now. These models are also making statements when they walk in these politically driven shows. Sometimes, they make political statements by breaking societal beauty norms. Look at Winnie Harlow who has vitiligo. In her interview on The Jonathan Ross Show, she said, “If anything, I’m succeeding at showing people that their differences don’t make them who they are.”

She has been incredibly successful as a model despite her condition, and she is a beacon of hope in normalizing those who are affected by vitiligo being represented in the fashion world. Melanie Gaydos is a model who has a rare genetic condition called ectodermal dysplasia. She embraces her differences, and she knew that the fashion world needed someone like her. “There was a void that needed to be filled, and I knew that I could definitely do it”, she said in her YouTube interview with Galore.

It’s important for people with rare conditions to be represented so they feel seen and have someone to look up to. The last model I want to mention is Jacky O’Saughnessy, who started her modeling career at 60 years old. She was discovered outside near a restaurant by Marsha Brady, the creative director of American Apparel. She told Jacky she looked “regal” and took her on as the face of their next campaign.

This proves that age should not matter in fashion because everyone grows older, aging is beautiful, and we ALL need representation. All three of these women busted down the narrow boundaries of the modeling world with their unique beauty that doesn’t fit into the little box that the modeling world can be most of the time. They bring individuality to the lineup of models in the industry. By making it possible, they give hope to those who are “different”.

Lastly, I want to talk about the legendary Anna Wintour. Vogue Magazine has featured First Ladies on the cover for nearly 100 years now. A bold move Anna Wintour made during her career as editor-in-chief of Vogue from 1988-2025 was intentionally not putting Melania Trump on the cover. She has been very subtly outspoken about her dislike for the Trumps. In the past, she has stated that Donald Trump would be the one and only person she would not invite to the Met Gala, which she runs. During Trump’s first term, she was asked about the First Lady’s fashion sense in the podcast The Economist Asks. She responded by praising Michelle Obama’s fashion sense. When an attempt to redirect back to Melania was shot, she doubled down and said that Michelle was who she admired. I appreciate when I see someone, in a high position, take a stance on something that could split the room. This is what politics in fashion is all about. Expressing yourself outwardly and being loud about it. Learning how to express yourself, in a fashion sense, helps so much with feeling confident in standing strong with values you believe. It makes you less afraid, and it makes you feel proud.

I hope reading this has given you a push in self expression in fashion and in politics. This could mean wearing shirts or hats with a political message on it. Or even accenting your outfit with a keffiyeh. You can express your style, as well as your political stance, through the brands you purchase from. What do they support? What do they stand for? The next time you look for a new piece to add to your wardrobe, I hope you think “Does this purchase align with my values?”. Because everything is political. Even fashion.

References:

https://vrfoundation.org/news_items/winnie-harlow-talks-about-vitiligo-on-the-jonathan-ross-show?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22161948202&gbraid=0AAAAADnlk7uxygtzhQnAAd-HJeu7DkzMr&gclid=Cj0KCQjw7IjOBhDyARIsAFzrWQw8Ido7VNonxS-reDJsG8sl9yeKq76jx7LlkVdG9cmQj6bzEDhO3WgaAt6DEALw_wcB

Politics in Fashion - An Introduction

Politics in Fashion — Sun, 22 Mar 2026 20:26:12 GMT

Some say “Keep politics out of fashion,” but everything is political. That is what this blog is about. We will discuss the history of politics in fashion, runway shows dedicated to a political value, and more. There will be different segments about fashion related topics, such as looks I see out and about, or hyping up local fashion brands and designers.

My Story

I’m going to keep my name anonymous, but I am a late millenial woman living in Richmond, Virginia. I have gone through many phases in my 30 years, yet one of the constants of each phase is fashion. So, as you can imagine, I’ve adapted many forms of fashion in my life.

Before moving to Virginia, I lived in California as a child with my own sense of style back then. I would wear shorts with two different patterned knee high socks, style my hair like an anime character, wear my brother’s clothes, or wear two different coloured Converse. Then I moved to a very small town in Virginia. I got made fun of for being so different. Not only was I a different race than everyone else, but I was also very “out there” with how I presented myself. So, I started to conform. I started shopping at Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch like all the other girls. I tried to get people to like me because I knew this was the last big move of my childhood. My dad had left the military when we moved, and I knew we would be in it for the long haul. I quickly realized all of the people I was trying to fit in with did not have the same values as me. I suppose this is why I was always so quick to move on too the next phase throughout school. These people were racist and bigoted. I was lost trying to fit in with them.

Then, I started watching a show that reignited my love for fashion. It made me feel okay with being differnet in terms of fashion again. It was the one and only, Gossip Girl. I started shopping at Kohl’s and wearing different coloured trench coats, bedazzled flats, and designer bags. I was going back to my “out there” self, just in a different style. Then, I started getting made fun of for that. So, again, I began to conform. Just to a different crowd. The crowd was smart and nerdy, but in a cool way. I started wearing ripped skinny jeans, plaid button ups, and band tee shirts. I soon realized that this crowd was too cool and too smart for me. I still felt left out and constantly judged just like a black sheep.

After high school was when I really started to try and find myself. I stopped associating my style with my friend groups and started mixing up styles on a day to day basis. Some days, I would feel like a colourful hippie. Other days I would feel sexy and dark. There were days when I would feel like I was a punk from the 80s. And there were some days I would feel like a skater from the 90s. What I see now is that all of these styles are very politically outspoken in and of themselves. When I think hippies, I think pacifism and environmentalism. I imagine female empowerment when I see the sexy and dark aesthetic. The 80s punk style is heavy on anti-establishment and DIY fashion, and skaters in the 90s were very nonconformist. All of these styles styles I liked were “different”, and I accepted and embraced the fact that I was going to get looks if I wanted to dress how I actually wanted to dress.

Nowadays, I mix and match all of the different styles I like to create my own personal style. My outfits can give off a certain vibe one day and the next day, give something completely different. I am still creating my own personal style, and politics is very involved in that. I look for more sustainable and ethical options. I try not to support brands who support movements and ideologies I don’t. This blog is to help me and others with finding our own personal style, not only based on who we are, but also based on the values we hold. Because everything is political. Even fashion.

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