The Trope of Mental Health Within the Fashion Industry
The rise of the millennial generation to powerful positions within the fashion industry has been accompanied by exposure and honesty surrounding issues of mental health. Although we must applaud the dialogue being started by many fashion houses, the tokenism of mental illness has started to become an issue.
It seems in an effort to destigmatize disorders such as anxiety and depression, the fashion community has begun desensitizing the severity of these mental illnesses. Although it may be empowering for some to wear t-shirts with “ANXIETY” plastered across the chest, the utilization of mental health buzzwords in clothing has started to cross a line.
During their Autumn/Winter 2019 fashion show, designer label Burberry ignorantly showcased a sweatshirt that included a rope tied around the neck of a model. Although the brand claimed to be naive to the implications of the neck rope, observers quickly called out the British fashion house for evoking images of lynchings and suicides. Despite Burberry’s quick response and decision to pull the offensive piece from the collection, the question still stands as to what Burberry’s motive was. Did the company honestly not realize the historic connection they were making? Were they attempting to make a statement? In either case, the issue of Burberry’s tone-deaf sweatshirt sheds light on the fashion industry’s need to reevaluate their relationship with the severity of mental illness.
Image via John Phillips/BFC Getty Images
Not all cases of naivety have been as public and ridiculed as Burberry’s winter fashion showcase. In fact, many problematic instances of the fashion industry’s mishandling of mental health have mustered great support from surrounding communities. One example of this lies in the recent comeback of the barrette hair trend. During this past fashion month, you may have seen many of your favorite influencers and celebrities rocking hair pins. Specifically, British designer Ashley Williams’s “ANXIETY” hair pins.
Previously, the trope of anxiety had been used on t-shirts, tote bags, socks and more. However, this was the first time anyone had attempted rocking the serious mental health disorder as a hair accessory. Although in a way these hair pins work in an effort to remind individuals that they should not be ashamed of their mental health battles, it comes with a hefty price tag. It seems that according to Ashley Williams, only women who can afford to drop $175 on a bedazzled hair pin can be a part of this selective club of empowered women.
Image via Lyst
Mental health affects all genders, races and income levels. The fashion industry’s attempt to destigmatize anxiety and depression through the creation of high-end “mental health”-themed clothing and accessories is vapid and transparent. Although there is importance and power in the exposure of mental health disorders, there is a fine line between destigmatization and insensitivity. It is imperative that the fashion industry amends their relationship to mental illness before they cross the line – again.
Image via Etsy
Graphics via Angela Cheng