FASHION STATEMENT
by Avi Manullang
Can fashion be a platform for social change ?
Spring Summer 2015 fashion week showed a variety of collections revolving around the idea of social change. In Paris Fashion Week, Chanel displayed models as protestors christening down the runway with slogans expressing the empowerment of women and other slogans used more for a comedic effect. Many models sported colorful tweed separates business casual looks with comfortable Chanel kicks. The collection presented an evolution of women’s wear while still staying true to its Chanel signature.
In the 1930s, the women’s pantsuit challenged the culture of what is socially acceptable as women’s wear.
Ever since, androgyny has rebirth itself multiple times in the catwalk. In Milan Fashion Week, Jil Sander’s SS 2015 collection used Annemarie Schwarzenbach as a muse to recreate the 30s androgyny. Models strut down the runway with schoolgirl tomboy chic looks that was reminiscent of Schwarzenbach. The Spring/Summer 2015 season not only challenged society’s image of women’s wear through androgyny but also challenged the marriage rights and equality for LGBT persons.
The Betsey Johnson Spring-Summer 2015 show in New York Fashion Week exemplified the fight for marriage equality. The designer used straight and gay models, drag queens, androgynous models, and transgendered models to wear her SS2015 collection. Betsey Johnson expressed, “"the whole world of straight brides, gay brides, transgender marriages, everybody getting married. Finally, freedom." Whether it be literal like the Chanel Spring-SummerS2015 fashion show or indirect and subtle like the Jill Sander’s collection, fashion is major voice in challenging current social issues. Fashion is more than just apparel; it is a reflection of what is happening in today’s society.
The Betsey Johnson Spring-Summer 2015 show in New York Fashion Week exemplified the fight for marriage equality. The designer used straight and gay models, drag queens, androgynous models, and transgendered models to wear her SS2015 collection. Betsey Johnson expressed, “"the whole world of straight brides, gay brides, transgender marriages, everybody getting married. Finally, freedom." Whether it be literal like the Chanel Spring-SummerS2015 fashion show or indirect and subtle like the Jill Sander’s collection, fashion is major voice in challenging current social issues. Fashion is more than just apparel; it is a reflection of what is happening in today’s society.
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| Chanel Spring/Summer 2015 |
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| Jill Sander Spring/Summer 2015 |
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| Betsey Johson Spring/Summer 2015 |
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