Dressing the Part – How Politicians Use Fashion to Convey Their Message
Fashion and politics are two seemingly disparate worlds that intersect more often than we might think. Fashion is often seen as a frivolous and shallow industry, while politics is considered serious and important. However, fashion has played a significant role in political movements and cultural change throughout history. From the suffragette movement to the Black Lives Matter movement, fashion has been used as a means of self-expression and as a tool for social and political change.
Fashion as a Tool for Self-Expression and Protest
Fashion is a powerful tool for self-expression, and it is often used as a form of protest. In the 1960s and 1970s, fashion played a crucial role in the counterculture movement. The hippie movement was characterized by its rejection of mainstream values, and fashion played a significant role in this rebellion. Hippies rejected traditional gender roles and embraced a more unisex style of dress. Men grew their hair long, wore bell-bottoms, and embraced colorful, psychedelic prints. Women also adopted a more relaxed and natural style, ditching their bras and wearing long, flowing dresses. The fashion of the counterculture movement was a form of protest against the rigid and conformist values of mainstream society.
Political Events and Fashion Trends
Fashion has also been used to express political views and to support political causes. During the 1980s, the anti-nuclear movement used fashion to spread its message. The “peace symbol,” a simple design of a circle with three lines, became a ubiquitous symbol of the movement. The symbol was emblazoned on t-shirts, buttons, and other clothing items, and it became a powerful tool for spreading the message of peace and nuclear disarmament.
More recently, fashion has been used as a tool for social and political change. In the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement, many fashion brands and designers have taken a stand against systemic racism and police brutality. Brands like Nike, Adidas, and Reebok have released statements in support of the movement, and many have released clothing lines with messages of support for the cause. In addition, many designers have created collections that celebrate black culture and challenge traditional beauty standards. Pyer Moss, for example, is a fashion brand that celebrates black culture and uses fashion as a means of activism. The brand’s designer, Kerby Jean-Raymond, has created collections that pay tribute to the struggles and triumphs of the black community.
The Influence of Politics on Fashion Designers
The fashion industry has also been influenced by political events and movements. The 1960s and 1970s were marked by political upheaval, and fashion reflected these changes. The women’s liberation movement, for example, led to a shift in women’s fashion. Women began to wear pants and more comfortable clothing, rejecting the restrictive and uncomfortable clothing of the past. In addition, the civil rights movement led to an increased awareness of diversity and a celebration of black culture. The fashion industry responded by incorporating African-inspired prints and styles into their designs.
Similarly, the events of September 11, 2001, had a profound impact on the fashion industry. The attacks led to a renewed sense of patriotism, and the fashion industry responded by incorporating patriotic themes into their designs. The American flag became a popular motif in fashion, and many designers created collections that celebrated the resilience and strength of the American people.
Fashion and the Presidential Campaigns
Fashion also plays a role in politics through the clothing choices of politicians. Politicians use their clothing choices to convey messages about their values and beliefs. For example, former First Lady Michelle Obama used her fashion choices to support emerging designers and to celebrate diversity in the fashion industry. She often wore clothing by up-and-coming designers, and she made a point of wearing designs by designers of color. In addition, she wore clothing that reflected her commitment to fitness and healthy living, often opting for sleeveless dresses that showcased her toned arms.
On the other hand, former President Donald Trump used his fashion choices to project a certain image and appeal to his base. He was known for wearing suits with long ties and large lapels, which became a signature look for him. He also often wore hats with his campaign slogan, “Make America Great Again,” and frequently wore red ties, which became associated with his brand. His fashion choices were seen as a reflection of his populist appeal and his desire to project a strong, masculine image.
Fashion and Diplomacy
Fashion also plays a role in diplomatic relations between countries. Diplomats and heads of state often use fashion to communicate their respect for other cultures and to establish a rapport with their counterparts. For example, during her state visit to Saudi Arabia in 2017, Melania Trump wore a black jumpsuit and a flowing cape, which was seen as a respectful nod to the country’s conservative dress codes. Similarly, during her state visit to India in 2020, Ivanka Trump wore a traditional Indian outfit, a sari, which was seen as a gesture of respect for Indian culture.
Fashion as Political Satire and Commentary
Fashion can also be used as a tool for political satire and commentary. Political cartoonists often use fashion to mock politicians and to make pointed observations about their behavior and beliefs. For example, during the 2016 presidential campaign, political cartoonists often depicted Donald Trump wearing a red “Make America Great Again” hat and a suit with long ties, which became a shorthand for his brand. Similarly, during the 2020 presidential campaign, cartoonists often depicted Joe Biden wearing aviator sunglasses and a face mask, which became associated with his response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
To Conclude
Fashion and politics intersect in a variety of ways, from the use of fashion as a tool for self-expression and protest, to the influence of political events on fashion trends, to the role of fashion in diplomatic relations between countries. Fashion can also be used as a tool for political satire and commentary, and politicians use their fashion choices to convey messages about their values and beliefs. While fashion and politics may seem like two disparate worlds, they are inextricably linked, and understanding their intersection can give us insight into the ways in which culture and politics shape and influence one another.
