Political Statements in Fashion
Graphic by Angela Cheng. Image via Supreme
The line between fashion and politics is becoming more and more blurred every day. With streetwear brands like Supreme releasing limited edition, politically charged collections, such as their 2018 release of a shirt that included the 19 faces of President Donald Trump’s sexual assault accusers, it seems the fashion industry cannot stay quiet in these times of political divisiveness. However, the main avenue through which designers have been voicing their political concerns recently has been awards show red carpets.
Image via Supreme
On Sunday January 26th, the Grammys not only celebrated the music industry, but also certain designer and celebrity political views. Musician Ricky Rebel showed up in a textured red outfit only to reveal the statement “impeach this” written on his backside. This was a clear message regarding the recent impeachment trial for incumbent President Donald Trump. Singer Joy Villa also attended the 2020 Grammys red carpet in a gown dedicated to Donald Trump, her dress reading “Trump 2020”. Villa’s politically charged outfit was no shock to anyone who witnessed her 2019 Grammy dress, which included the statement “Build the wall.”
Image via Shutterstock
Both Revel and Villa caused a large amount of controversy due to the fact that the musical and celebrity space is typically liberal and left-leaning. This calls into question the appropriateness of political statements in spaces that many individuals look to in order to escape political rhetoric. Regardless of political party association, it is being debated whether the inclusion of such political messages should be invited into spaces of entertainment such as the music industry. Many believe that politics should be excluded from celebrity culture, as celebrities have the power to influence, and this power can be considered unwarranted when their talent comes from creative careers that are disconnected from the political world. However, much of the entertainment material (ie. music/film/TV) we consume today involves issues of politics or social struggles that are dealt with in the political arena, thus making it hard to separate the world of entertainment and celebrities from the world of politics. Either way, the issue of celebrities expressing their political beliefs through their fashion is something to look out for this awards show season.