Political Statements at NYFW Shows
In the last year, it's become pretty clear that fashion and politics are interconnected. Starting with the controversy over dressing Melania Trump] and quickly moving onto Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus dropping Ivanka Trump's line, we've studied the intersection between fashion and politics with increased fervor as of late. This week, with New York Fashion Week in full swing, the fashion/political statements are materializing in new forms. From Tommy Hilfiger incorporating white "tied-together" bandanas into his looks, to Chromat playing the song "F*ck Donald Trump" during the show, designers are using their platforms to take a stand. Ahead, see all of the major political statements from the Fall 2017 season of New York Fashion Week.
ROBYN BECK1/13Tommy Hilfiger
Despite the fact that Tommy Hilfiger said he'd be honored to dress Melania Trump, he used his TommyXGigi runway show in Venice Beach to take a major political stand. As part of Business of Fashion's Tied Together campaign, models wore white bandanas around their wrists to protest Trump's immigration ban.
Nicholas Hunt2/13Chromat
After dancers entertained the audience at the Chromat show, a song called "F*ck Donald Trump" played after the show. It's easy to see where the famously forward-thinking designers stand with our new President.
Mike Coppola3/13Cushnie et Ochs
As a subtle nod to Women's rights that are being threatened by the current administration, Cushnie et Ochs played a song that proclaimed "The future is female," as their models came down the catwalk.
Andrew Toth4/13Creatures of Comfort
The Creatures of Comfort presentation featured one t-shirt that could be viewed as a reference to the immigration policies set forth by the Trump administration. It featured the poignant statement: "We are all human."
Instagram/@nikkiogun5/13Adam Lippes
Designer Adam Lippes paid homage to January's Women's March with signs that said "Girl Power," during his show.
Astrid Stawiarz6/13Public School
Like many other designers, Public School made their political message clear with slogans printed on their pieces. The brand sent jackets and tees down the runway that read "We Need Leaders" and "Make America New York Again."
Instagram/@unwrinkling7/13Mara Hoffman
Alongside the reading of a powerful feminist manifesto, Mara Hoffman sent Muslim singer-songwriter Yuna down the runway in an ethically-made look.
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Neilson Barnard8/13Prabal Gurung
Not only did Prabal Gurung send models down the runway with tees bearing slogans from the Women's March, the designer donned a similar shirt for his final bow. Models like Bella Hadid wore shirts that read "The Future Is Female" while Prabal chose the powerful slogan: "This Is What A Feminist Looks Like."
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Dimitrios Kambouris9/13Anna Wintour
Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour sat front row at Calvin Klein wearing an "I Stand With Planned Parenthood" pin. Later that day, Diane Von Furstenberg (also pictured) was also seen wearing the pin.
Victor VIRGILE10/13Jonathan Simkhai
After handing out shirts featuring the same phrase, designer Jonathan Simkhai took his final bow wearing a "Feminist AF" tee.
Victor VIRGILE11/13Gypsy Sport
After one of the most diverse shows at NYFW, Gypsy Sport designer Rio Uribe made a speech about his collection saying "the fall/winter '17 collection was inspired honestly by people who live on the street and just don't have much fashion in their life or any of the luxuries that we take for granted." He went on to specifically reference refugees living on the streets of Paris, declaring that no one should have to live on the street because of their religion or sexuality.
Considering the outpour of political statements we saw at NYFW, we took the liberty of documenting them in the video below. Check out all the times designers, models, and attendees got political both on and off the runway.
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