The thesis of this article explores the role that fashion and textile may play in political and social activism by looking at three aspects of industry representation, protesting, and political reporting. It was in the context of the issue of what it means to be a citizen in the twenty-first century.
Recent social movements including #MeToo, antifa, and feminism were the primary emphasis of the material used in the research. It was to illustrate the role of fashion and textile sourcing in protest. In terms of symbolism, the study examines the ways in which political personalities like Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Jacqueline Kennedy have used clothing to communicate their political ideas and values. The 2016 presidential election, global civil rights, and the Rana Plaza catastrophe in Bangladesh are just a few examples. It was of how fashion journals have delved into political reportage in recent decades.
The study started with an evaluation of 21st-century citizenship, then moved on to the connection between style and political engagement. Peer-reviewed periodicals like the Washington Post, The New York Times, and TIME are often consulted for this study. It was due to the unorthodox convergence of fashion and politics and the topic’s focus on the pop culture realm. The study’s findings will help researchers in the future better understand how the fashion industry has used social and political activity to define citizenship in the modern era.
Citizenship and protest
Traditional notions of citizenship have included things like voting, taxing oneself, serving on a jury or in the military, following the law, showing loyalty to one’s country, and showing respect for those in positions of power. A citizen’s legal duties, responsibilities, and protections are all reflected in these standards. Changes in the activities, behaviors, and attitudes that characterize citizenship may be tracked and identified throughout time. In modern times, citizenship has expanded to include self-determination and self-advocacy. Along with a focus on social justice and the well-being of one’s fellow man, as well as participation in public service and protest. The term may also refer to involvement in civil society and political/social groups as well as purchasing decisions motivated by ethics, morals, or the environment.
Role of fashion industry
The purpose of this article is to investigate the role of the fashion industry in inspiring political and social activity in a bid to better understand the nature of citizenship in the twenty-first century. Nowadays, fashion has become a powerful tool for expressing social freedom and influences, and for spreading political messages and influencing political change. By advocacy and activity, the fashion industry can help young people understand and fulfill their civic duties.
A view of history
In order to examine the manner in which the fashion industry has protested, represented, and reported on politics, three components are examined. Grassroots social and political groups that use clothing as a tool to promote their cause are examined in the context of protest. White nationalists dressed like the Klu Klux Klan during the 2018 Unite the Right demonstration in Charlottesville by donning white robes to show solidarity with the group’s ideology. As a symbol of their opposition to the racist discourse, the Antifa protesters, who were also present at the gathering, wore black bloc clothing (Delgado). Feminists all across the globe wear t-shirts reading “The Future is Female” as a symbol of their belief in the strength of women in today’s society. In an effort to reflect modern culture more accurately, major fashion labels are using their visibility to highlight the value of diversity.
Brands and runways shows
Many types of models are being used by fashion firms on their runways and advertising campaigns to reflect the diversity of modern society. Furthermore, more and more fashion labels are using their creations for runway shows and fashion weeks to promote political causes or express ideological stances (Topps). This study examines the ways in which fashion magazines like Teen Vogue and the Business of Fashion incorporate political discussion into their reporting.
Covering social and political issue
Fashion publications are using their platform to express global interests, social concerns, and responsibilities. And to participate in the democratic debate by covering a wide range of social and political issues, from the 2016 presidential election to the collapse of the Rana Plaza and issues of civil rights. The study will seek to place the fashion business in the context of the three described components—protest, political reporting, and representation. As one that is actively involved in defining what it means to be a global citizen in the twenty-first century.
History of fashion and protest
The clothing business has been used to promote a wide range of social concerns, including sexism, racism, homophobia, and abortion rights. One of Maria Grazia Chiuri’s fashion presentations, for instance, conveyed the idea that women should use their voices, pursue their goals, and be ambitious. The presentation started with models wearing t-shirts reading, “The Future is Female” and “Women’s Rights are Human Rights,” both designs by Chiuri. Beyoncé’s Lemonade album was another showcase for the use of clothing to make political and aesthetic statements.
Oscar-winning cinematography conveyed a message of historical significance, political protest, aesthetic strength, and personal agency via clothing. Further, she donned a flimsy summer dress to symbolize the lack of safety measures used in the case of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, sparking a protest against police violence.
Talk of an era
African American women have employed fashion throughout history. Especially it happened during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s, the Black Power Movement of the 1960s, and the anti-apartheid activism of the 1980s. Women wore stiletto heels as a kind of self-defense against police brutality. Further, they embraced African-inspired patterns as a means of expressing their individuality and solidarity. Also, utilized their sense of style as a platform from which to promote political and gender liberalism.
Bottom line
In the realms of politics and society, women have made tremendous strides in expressing themselves via clothing. Throughout history, women have used their dress as a tool to challenge masculinity, resist prejudice and injustice. Also, with this they express themselves freely, and establish their identities as global citizens. Last but not least, political disclosure in the modeling and textile industry has activated citizens across all populations. In order to initiate important and vital actions and dialogue on the roles and commitments all private citizens have to perform in order to advance the social metamorphosis occurring in a civilized state.
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