When fashion becomes political

Pearls, loafers, polo shirts - staples of the “old money” look that the Internet has been obsessing over for the past couple of years. But it’s more than just a trend - its the frontlines of the cultural battlefield, emitting whispers of privilege and conservative ideals. But this isn’t the first time fashion has been more than just a piece of clothing. Think back to 2020, at the height of the pandemic, where TikTok was flooded with the alt and indie girl aesthetic. That oversaturation reflected a generation hungry for individuality during a turbulent year. Or consider the 2018 Golden Globes, where black gowns became a symbol of solidarity in the #MeToo movement. Even in the 1980s, gothic fashion emerged as a critique of societal norms, embracing rebellion through fashion, eventually evolving into it’s own subculture.

History proves that fashion has always been a mirror of cultural and political tensions. Now, as the battle between nostalgia and progress plays in our wardrobes, a question looms: what does this mean in these politically charged times? Will we see a return of the alternative, rebellious styles as a resistance against the resurgent of far right ideals? Or will fashion lean into conservatism? Whatever comes next, one thing is certain: fashion isn’t just following the times - its’s shaping them.

Suffragettes form a part of Emily Davison's funeral procession through London. She was a fellow campaigner who was trampled to death when, as a protest gesture, she tried to catch the reins of King George V's horse as it ran in the 1913 Epsom Derby. © Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS

Fashion has always been a tool of resistance, identity, and power - woven into history as a subtle, yet striking form of protest. From the streets to the red carpet, clothing is used to challenge authority, demand change, and symbolize unity. One of the earliest and most powerful examples is Suffragette White - a symbol of women’s fight for the right to vote, originating in the early 20th century. Suffragettes in the UK and in the US strategically wore white, a color symbolizing purity and solidarity, making their movement visually striking in protests, and in the newspaper photographs. Even now, more than a century later, the legacy of this movement continues, with female politicians and activist in honor of those who fought before them.

In 1947, Christian Dior’s debut collection became another politically charged fashion statement. Debuting in post-war Paris, the Dior’s designs featured hyper-feminine silhouettes - from cinched waists to voluminous skirts, showcasing a sharp departure from the utilitarian styles of wartime fashion. Although many celebrated the return to luxury, some feminists did criticize the collection, arguing that it reinforced outdated gender norms, highlighting fashion’s ability to shape, and even divide public opinion on gender roles.

Fast forward to 2005, when Ryan Gosling turned heads at the MTV music video awards by sporting a simple t-shirt with the words “Dafur” written across the chest. Gosling’s intention was to raise awareness amongst his fans about the humanitarian crisis going on in Sudan. This moment echoed a growing trend in celebrity activism - later, in 2014, NBA players including Kobe Bryant and LeBron James wore shirts with the words “I can’t breathe” written across, in protest of a grand jury decision no to indict the NYPD player who killed Eric Garner.

From Suffragettes to Hollywood to star athletes, fashion has always been a visual language of protest. Whether that be through color, silhouette, or a statement - the clothes we wear continue to carry meaning far beyond aesthetics. And this also goes for the general population - not just big names and celebrities. The way trends come and go, are also a reflection of the political environment of the time - shaping conversations and challenging the status quo.

While fashion can be a powerful tool for political expression, it also sparks controversy - especially when the line between activism and commodification gets blurred. Both individuals such as influencers and luxury labels have often faced backlash for using social movements as marketing tools, raising ethical concerns about performative activism. A prime example of this is Balenciaga’s 2022 ad campaign featuring children holding teddybears in bondage-inspired outfits, which ignited a widespread outrage over the unsettling imagery and exploitative subtext. The backlash forced the brand to issue multiple apologies and raised many questions about accountability. When a message feels inauthentic - or worse, exploitative - it risks diluting the movement, or significantly hurting the brand/people participating in it.

As cultural shifts and new collections continue to shape aesthetics, fashion remains a battleground for political expression. The rise of the “old money” aesthetic and tradwife content reflects a nostalgia-driven embrace of conservative values, mirroring the recent shift to right leaning political parties in the West. This stands in contrast to the 2020 indie-alt boom, preaching individuality, youthfulness, and a rebellion against mainstream norms. Much like politics, fashion trends operate in a constant cycle of push and pull - each era reflecting the one before it, shaping not just our wardrobe but the cultural landscape itself. But with social media amplifying these movements at lightning speed, trends are no longer just about style - they’re ideological statements with the power of subtly influencing the mind. In the future, technology will play an even bigger role, especially with the rise of AI. A prime example of this already being the case is the old money AI woman. A seemingly perfect woman, always dressed elegantly and with perfect, blown out hair, haas taken the internet by storm, with people trying to recreate her hair and outfits in real life. Whether pushing for progress or romanticizing the past, fashion will continue to serve both as a mirror and megaphone for the politics of its time.

Fashion and politics are inseparable - especially nowadays, with one constantly reshaping the other. Every trend, from the rebellious subcultures to nostalgic revivals of the past, is a reflection of a deeper societal shift. As a consumer, we’re not just wearing clothes, we are making statement, whether that be a conscious choice or a subconscious, unintentional one, pushed onto us by strategic marketing and influencers. So next time you shop or style an outfit, ask yourself - what message are you sending? What message do you want to send?

Sources

https://artfulliving.com/top-political-fashion-moments-of-all-time/

https://artsandculture.google.com/story/christian-dior-the-new-look-the-metropolitan-museum-of-art/kwWhkHJ-Ok8UIg?hl=en