The last several months have seen the unravelling of traditional Hollywood, the scandal surrounding Harvey Weinstein creating a domino effect throughout industries far outside of Hollywood. In its wake has created space for the rise of monumental movements, such as ‘Time’s Up’ and ‘Me Too’. 2017 served as a much-needed reminder that girls and women are no longer the victims of male-dominated industries, but rather the fighters.
As a pro-feminist movement, ‘Me Too’ was formed twelve years ago to help survivors of sexual violence understand that they are not alone and that they do not have to feel ashamed of someone else’s actions. ‘Me Too’ allows victims to speak their truth; this message inspired another movement to form: ‘Time’s Up’. Founded on January 1st, 2018 by a handful of Hollywood’s most influential celebrities, ‘Time’s Up’ is an organization against sexual assault and gender inequality in the workplace. The goal of the organization is not only a community of strong women and men speaking out against sexual harassment and assault but also a legal defense fund that works to support lower-income woman seeking justice from crimes committed against them.
But the question remains: how do these movements impact fashion? It is without a doubt that the movements have been highly influential; it has proven that fashion can embody activism. Indeed, fashion through the years has been used to evoke society’s zeitgeist, and this year’s award season is no different. Garments are being used to make powerful statements; however, it is Hollywood’s elite making a stand, rather than the designer. It began at the Golden Globes, where leading ladies wore black to symbolize their solidarity for the ‘Time’s Up’ movement.
Colour trends are always a topic of conversation when discussing award season. Therefore, the impact the blackout had on fashion was tremendous. These leading ladies wanted to move the conversation away from “Who are you wearing?” to “Why are you wearing it?”. This bold statement did not go unnoticed and impacted every other award show. During the Grammy’s, members of the music industry decided to participate in the movement by wearing or carrying a white rose. The white rose stood for hope, peace, sympathy, and resistance; key tenets that we wish to see embraced moving forward. In a similar fashion, attendees of the Oscars showed their solidarity wearing pins that read “Time’s Up”.
These movements are a long overdue, and will continue to impact our society, but how will they continue to influence fashion? I believe we will see an increase in politically-themed collections speaking the truth of women and what it means to be a woman in today’s society. We have already seen this from Maria Grazia Chiuri’s—the Creative Director for Dior—powerful collections and can only hope to see this continue in her bright future. On the note of Maria, I hope we will see an increase in female designers within high-end fashion houses. I want to see women design for women.
Golden Globes 2018
The Golden Globes are an annual ceremony that presents awards to the best film and television of the previous year. In the photograph above is Reese Witherspoon, Eva Longoria, Salma Hayek and Ashley Judd, all founders of the Time’s Up movement.
Grammy’s 2018
The Grammy’s are an annual ceremony recognizing the achievement in the music industry by presenting awards to outstanding artists and groups. In the photograph above is Lady Gaga, Pink, and Zayn Malik just a few of the artists at the ceremony who wore a white rose symbolizing their search for hope and resistance.
Oscar’s 2018
The Oscar’s also known as Academy Awards are the most prestigious ceremony in Hollywood, honoring the cinematic triumphs of the film industry. In the photo series above is Sam Rockwell Best Male Actor in a Supporting Role 2018, Jane Fonda Best Female Actress in a Leading Role 1979 and Elizabeth Moss are shown wearing a Time’s Up pin on garments.
Dior
Maria Grazia Chiuri’s was announced as the Creative Director of Dior in 2016, the images above represent Maria debut as the renowned fashion house creative leader. Her first collection made a bold feminist statement – one of the pieces was a white cotton t-shirt with the words “WE SHOULD ALL BE FEMINIST” imprinted on it.
