Designers Protest Donald Trump's Muslim Ban
The fashion industry is in an odd place right now. When Michelle Obama was our first lady, her clothing choices reminded us that fashion is inherently political. It's a way to outwardly express yourself, beliefs, and ideas. And by choosing your outfits purposefully, you can make a powerful political statement. In many instances, your clothing can be a form of protest, whether you don a M.A.G.A. ‘Black Lives Matter’ hat or choose a Nasty Woman shirt for the Women's protest.
Our relationship with the clothing is one we’re going to constantly have to reevaluate throughout Trump’s administration. By just making a simple purchase from a brand that backs the Administration, you could be unknowingly supporting Trump and his causes. Take his most recent attack on immigration, for instance. It’s interesting to see that, so far, only two designers and one major label have spoken out against the president’s executive order blocking people from seven Muslim-majority countries to enter the United States for 90 days.
Only a few members of the fashion industry have spoken out against Trump's Muslim ban, including Diane von Furstenberg, who actually was open to dressing Melania Trump. Keep scrolling to see which designers are taking a stand, and which are remaining silent in the face of bigotry.
Astrid Stawiarz1/5Naeem Khan
"I am the immigrant that brings beauty to make you shine," he wrote on Instagram. "I am the immigrant that is woven into the fabric of America. I am the immigrant that loves this country as all your ancestors who were immigrants. America, look deep and stand for who is patriotic, our values and not for a pompous self-promoting racist snake oil salesmen. Think and act.”
Victor Boyko2/5Diane von Furstenberg
“The fashion industry has always been a reflection of what America is all about... inclusion and diversity," she told Business of Fashion. "It will continue to stand by these standards. I am personally horrified to see what is going on.”
Christopher Lee3/5Nike
Moved by four-time Olympic gold medalist Mo Farah's statement, Nike circulated a release saying the company "stands together against bigotry and any form of discrimination. We’ve learned that on the field of play, where fairness and mutual respect are the rule, not the exception. Now, more than ever, let’s stand up for our values and remain open and inclusive as a brand and as a company. We are at our best when we recognize the value of our diverse community.”
4/5Reformation
"Reformation is a company built by women and immigrants dedicated to protecting the environment," the brand posted on Instagram. "We believe in women's collective power and their right to make their own choices. We believe that America's strength is our diversity, and that our continued economic and ideological success depends on compassionate and open immigration policies. We believe that climate change is the biggest challenge facing our generation and is a direct result of human activities. We have limited resources and limited reach but we will use the resources and reach we have to stand up for these beliefs. We encourage others in the fashion industry with more resources and reach to do the same."
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