FASHION & POLITICS

 

Anyone who believes that fashion and politics have nothing in common is mistaken. In fact, the opposite is true.

The relevance of politics in fashion cannot be overstated. Both as an expression and a means of industry regulation.

We chatted with Hilary Jochmans, the founder of PoliticallyInFashion, for this piece. She shed light on the significance of fashion-related legislative legislation, as well as the relevance of informing industry agents about it.

Keep reading to learn! 

FASHION & POLITICS: A TWO-WAY STREET

FASHION AS A TOOL FOR POLITICAL MANIFESTATIONS

Nothing escapes history unscathed. It is difficult to conceive anything in our globalized society that is not continually influenced by political, economic, social, and ecological events. And, of course, fashion would be no exception.

Fashion has unparalleled power, whether as a mirror of social changes or as a weapon for political manifestation.

A very profitable sector that produces consumer aspirations, works with haute couture, and rises models to celebrity; at the same time, it contains a symbolic narrative defined by acts of struggle and action that contributed to the construction of society as we know it today.

For example, in 1968, when the world was rife with thousands of rallies and opposition, a protest in the United States drew notice. About 100 women gathered in front of the Miss America auditorium to free themselves from oppressive objects such as bras, high heels, corsets, girdles, and even cosmetic items. As a result, the famous story of the bra burning occurred only symbolically, as the city administration prohibited any pyrotechnics.

Many of the attendees wore scandalous miniskirts while questioning patriarchy. The event occurred during the 1970s, during a decade of considerable questioning that sparked wishes for freedom.

FEMINIST MOVEMENTS

Women throughout history have utilized fashion to communicate their political opinion as an act of residence. Long before the "Future is Female" tee craze, ladies like Queen Marie Antoniette and feminist activists used subversive clothing and accessories to show society what they were against and for.

The Time's Up movement is a recent example. It was founded by Hollywood actors, directors, and producers to condemn sexual assault and harassment in the workplace. They all wore black attire to the 2018 Golden Globes ceremony to reinforce the point.

The inauguration of US Vice President Kamala Harris was another event. The media focused heavily on the range of clothes worn by people in attendance, the majority of which were made by female and black artists. Another highlight was the range of purple-colored clothing worn by the visitors and Mrs. Vice President.

The color was associated with the suffragette movement, according to experts. It wasn't the first time Kamala's style had drawn attention. During the campaign, she defied convention by wearing pantsuits with All-Star Converse, conveying the impression of a more modern and progressive policies.

MET GALA 2021

We could go on and on about historical instances when celebrities, demonstrators, and politicians used apparel to express themselves. Last year's MET Gala, on the other hand, was a tremendous highlight.

Unlike last year, numerous celebrities will use the red carpet to express themselves in 2021. Billie Elish's no-fur-or-gown gown, Alex Ocasio's "Tax the Rich" ensemble, and so on. We investigated our Instagram profile. Look below!

FASHION IN POLITICS

Regulation, legislation, oversight, and enhancements The non-fashion sector is not, or should not be, a lawless wasteland.

Fashion and politics should go hand in hand, but that's not how it works. Not yet, at any rate.

The fashion industry, according to Fashion Revolution, "was largely left off the agenda at COP26." We don't see a lot of new legislation to govern the actions and environmental impact of the fashion business. However, this is highly significant and, without a doubt, a positive step toward developing a stronger industry.

This is why Hilary Jochmans established PoliticallyInFashion. The network for all fashion agents focuses on disseminating information about significant legislative and regulatory concerns affecting the industry.

Its purpose is to educate people about public policy and empower them to engage with elected officials about how these issues affect businesses and consumers.

PoliticallyInFashion has recently spearheaded advocacy for the establishment of a Fashion Czar in the United States, as well as a Call to Action for the Federal Trade Commission to update the Green Guides, a federal regulation designed to assist businesses in making lawful environmental marketing claims, as well as the public in understanding and appreciating these statements.

In 2021, Hilary submitted the Green Guides 101. She recently met with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), but there have been no updates on the review process. However, once the review process begins, the public will have opportunity to participate and voice their thoughts.