Trend Report: Fashion Week Gets Political

The latest trend on the runway for A/W 2017 has nothing to do with fabric, colour, or silhouette. In Milan, London and New York some of the most notable designers have featured subtle – and not so subtle – nods to the current political climate. Designers and other fashion organizations using their public platform to spread messages of tolerance and hope have cemented the fashion’s industry commitment to diversity, inclusion, feminism and immigration. These clarion calls by designers let everyone know – fashion will not let their values go down without a fight. Let’s take a look at some of the best examples:

Designers

1. Missoni: Missoni’s show had one of the most overt political statements: each seat at the show had a knitted – a nod to the house’s roots in knitwear – pussy beanie. At the end of the finale Angela Missoni said ““Let’s show the world that the fashion community is united and fearless”.
2. Versace: Donatella – a staunch feminist – intricately sewed words such as loyalty, power, unity and courage on to hats, athletic shirts, hemlines and tulle tops. According to Donatella “this collection is about the power of women, and women who know how to use their power… It is a call for unity, and the strength that comes from positivity and hope.”
3. Dolce and Gabbana: Diversity was a key theme in the show as models from all walks of life took to the runway.
4. Gucci: For the first time Gucci included both men and women on the runway and the result was a spectacular blurring of gender. Alessandro Michele, the much hailed creative, was making a clear statement that Gucci could be worn by everyone.
5. CFDA: The CFDA partnered this fashion week with Planned Parenthood. Anna Wintour and other were seen wearing “Fashion Stands with Planned Parenthood” pins.
6. Business of Fashion launched a campaign called #TiedTogether, asking individuals to wear white bandanas to promote “inclusivity, diversity and unity”. Gigi Hadid was seen wearing one at the Tommy Hilfiger show.
7. Prabal Gurung: At his show’s finale he featured T-shirts with slogans like “Revolution has no borders,” “I am an immigrant,” “The future is female,” “I am a Coretta” and “We will not be silenced”.