Even before the Fall/Winter 2017 shows draw to a close, the biggest statement that designers are urgently pushing is the need to break discrimination, empowering women of all races, shapes and sizes.
In an industry that is often criticized for showcasing clothing on cookie-cutter models who look unhealthily skinny and promote the vision of unattainable standards of beauty, it’s a refreshing moment in fashion history to see more empowering and diverse moments taking place on the runway.
From the American fashion houses who are reacting to their turbulent political climate to the European brands that have chimed in with messages of inclusivity, these were the high points of Fashion Month that has celebrated women in all her various facets.
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Perhaps learning from the criticism that he was appropriating African-American culture last season, Marc Jacobs’ FW17 collection was a tribute to the idea that New York was a melting pot of different cultures and races.
To drive this point home, African-American models made up nearly half of his cast of models, making for a powerful statement both politically and visually.
Speaking of race – in what has been a landmark moment in New York Fashion Week history, this was the first season that every show has included at least one non-white model. While we hope that this number will continue on the uptick in future seasons, this is certainly progress.
If you see more white bandanas appearing in magazines, here’s the reason why. Launched by online fashion news portal, Business of Fashion, the #TiedTogether movement seeks to promote support for “human unity and inclusiveness amidst growing uncertainty and a dangerous political narrative peddling division on both sides of the Atlantic”.
The movement was quickly picked up across many shows, from Tommy Hilfiger’s models sporting a white bandana in every look, to a white bandana placed on every seat at the Christian Dior show.
Some designers, such as Valentino’s Pierpaolo Piccioli, also joined the movement by sporting the bandana when taking their runway bow.
Image (right): Instagram/ @bof
Displeased with the fact that Milan remained quiet while the rest of the world bannered together to support the Women’s March movement erupting in the USA, Angela Missoni took things into her own hands by staging her own march at the end of her runway presentation.
As models did their finale walk all wearing knitted Pussyhats – the unofficial uniform of the Women’s March – Angela later made an appearance on the runway to give a rousing speech about “the femininity of our times, prepared to confront the conflicts and dilemmas of our contemporary society: the conditions, needs and rights of all women and minorities”.
Responding to calls that fashion needed to set a better example for body image issues, designers such as Christian Siriano, Prabal Gurung and Michael Kors made it a point to employ plus-sized models.
Christian Siriano is known for being one of the few designers who openly embrace dressing celebs that aren’t sample size.
We are hoping this is one movement that’s here to stay.
To finish off a gorgeous collection of knits and sheer gowns, New York-based designer Prabal Gurung had his models parade a series of t-shirts that bore feminist messages such as “Nevertheless, she persisted” and “Girls Just Want To Have Fundamental Rights”.
Mothers, daughters, sisters, lovers…the cast at Dolce & Gabbana’s show was as colourful as the clothing.
Casting a list of everyone from “It” girls and second-generation celebs to philanthropists and actresses, the show became a celebration of women of all shapes, sizes and ages.
Celebrating his brand’s 100th show, Dries Van Noten made sure to include supermodels from the ‘90s to celebrate the beauty of women above 30. His message was clear: age is only a number, but elegance persists.
After making a splash as the first beauty pageant contestant to compete in a hijab and burkini, Halima Aden also walked for top brands such as Max Mara and Alberta Ferretti, proving that chicness knows no religious boundary.
Images: Showbit