A Political Fashion Statement

The other day I went to the Victoria and Albert museum (otherwise known as the 'V&A') based in South Kensington, London. I headed straight to the fashion area (no surprises there). Each window showcased the typical 'look' of each decade, spanning from the mid 1800's right through to the 21st century. The history of fashion was remarkable.

Image: V&M

But what struck me most wasn't just how much fashion has changed - to think Edwardian women had to wear a corset all day everyday! - but how fashion has was used as a political statement at key points in history.

A few examples stood out. The fashion of the 1970's punk age - when designer Vivienne Westwood made her claim to name - was charged with political energy. Customisation such as rips, zips, studs and badges were used to make a statement. Slogans replaced logos. Vivienne's 'anarchy shirt' is an apt example of how fashion was used to speak against the order and establishment of the government. People revelled in the way clothes could make such an impact and women were known to even scrawl slogans across their t-shirts with marker pens.

Image: foundsf

From a completely different angle - but sharing the theme of political fashion - are the clothes worn by  Margaret Thatcher (1952-2013). The V&A dedicated a window to her, not simply because she was the first female Prime Minister but because of how she used clothes as a political tool. For example, the symbolic blue Aquascutum suit worn to the Conservative Party Conference in 1987 and again to cast her ballot in that year’s election. Or the striking trouser suits, purposely worn to make a statement about her position in a predominately 'man's world' (for more read Female Politicians And The Power Suit).

Image: dailycrusadernews

And finally, an example that happened as recently as January this year. Following Trump's election in the USA, there was outcry against his previous derogatory comments on women. To make a statement against this, women were encouraged to partake in the 'Pussycat Project', buying or knitting bright pink hats to be worn at the Women's March in Washington. The sea of pink (above) resulted in a political statement symbolising female defiance against the US president.

There's no doubt fashion can be frivolous, enjoyable and fun - it's the main reason I started this blog almost three years ago. But it's all too easy to forget the more serious political impact clothes can have on society.

Who knew a piece of fabric could have so much power?