A Stitch In Time: Fashion As A Political Statement
Hello readers, It's Couture Talks With Dulce, and today we are going to talk about fashion and art. Oh, this is my favorite topic! Fashion isn’t just about looking good, it’s an art form, a language, a movement. It’s bold, creative, and deeply personal, reflecting who we are and what we stand for. But beyond self-expression, fashion has the power to speak volumes about society, politics, and justice. Like any art form, it reflects the hardship of current times, channeling emotions, resistance, and hope into something concrete.
Throughout history, people have turned to fashion to make powerful statements, especially in moments of crisis. From protest T-shirts to red carpet looks that demand change, clothing has been a canvas for activism. In this blog, I’ll dive into the intersection of fashion and politics, spotlighting the celebrities and organizations that have turned their wardrobes into messages and proving that, in this country, our right to free speech extends to what we wear. Let’s get into it!
Bella Hadid’s Keffiyeh Dress
Bella Hadid, of Palestinian descent, has frequently used fashion to express her cultural identity and support for Palestine. She wore a keffiyeh-patterned dress as a statement of solidarity with her heritage and the Palestinian cause.
While Bella hasn’t worn a full keffiyeh dress at a major red carpet event, she has incorporated keffiyeh prints into her outfits, including scarves, tops, and accessories. Designers have also adapted the keffiyeh into modern silhouettes as a form of cultural appreciation and activism.
The keffiyeh is a traditional Middle Eastern scarf, which became increasingly popular among Palestinians after Yasser Arafat adopted it in the 1960s. The keffiyeh’s pattern has deep ties to Palestinian culture: the fishnet nods to the Mediterranean Sea, the thick border lines represent the trade routes, and the wavy lines stand in for olive leaves, which symbolize resilience and strength. While traditionally worn by men, the scarf has become a broader symbol of solidarity with the Palestinian community.
AOC’s “Tax the Rich” Met Gala Dress
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez made a bold statement at the 2021 Met Gala with a bright red message: “Tax the Rich.” Dressed in a white off-the-shoulder gown by Brooklyn-based designer brand Brother Vellies, AOC revealed the statement in bold lettering on the back of her dress as she ascended the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The moment became one of the most talked-about instances of political fashion in recent years.
Ocasio-Cortez's attire sparked widespread discussion and controversy. Critics questioned the appropriateness of delivering a message about taxing the wealthy at an event attended by some of the nation's most affluent individuals. In response, AOC defended her choice, writing on her Instagram, "The medium is the message," emphasizing the importance of bringing such conversations directly into spaces of power and influence.
The "Tax the Rich" dress remains a notable example of fashion intersecting with political messaging, igniting conversations about wealth inequality, taxation, and the platforms used to address these issues.
Chnge: A Fashion Non-Profit Raising Money for Social Justice
Chnge is a sustainable streetwear brand known for its commitment to ethical fashion, social justice, and environmental responsibility. Its mission revolves around using fashion as a platform for activism, promoting sustainability, and driving meaningful social change.
The brand emphasizes 100% organic and recycled materials, fair labor practices, and carbon neutrality while also supporting various social causes, such as climate action, gender equality, and racial justice. Chnge often donates a portion of its profits to nonprofits and uses bold graphic designs to spread awareness about global issues.
Financial Support for Social Causes
Regularly donates a portion of profits to nonprofits tackling climate change, racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and more.
It has fundraised over $800,000 for progressive causes, including environmental protection, mental health awareness, women’s health and well-being, educational access, civil rights, and LGBTQIA+ support.
Political & Social Messaging
Their bold, graphic-heavy designs spread awareness about issues like climate change, gender equality, and systemic racism.
Encourages customers to use fashion as a form of protest and self-expression.
Chappell Roan’s Lady Liberty Costume at Gov Ball
America’s favorite artist’s favorite artist made a jaw-dropping entrance at the Governor’s Ball, fully covered in green body paint, her fiery red curls hidden beneath a matching wig, and a spiked crown perched atop her head. But the moment she emerged from an oversized apple, casually puffing on an outrageously large joint, it was clear Chappell Roan wasn’t just channeling Lady Liberty. She was reimagining her.
Roan didn’t just wear the costume; she embodied the message. With unwavering conviction, she declared, “I am in drag of the biggest queen of the world, but in case you forget what’s etched on my pretty little toes ‘Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses, yearning to breathe free.’ That means freedom in trans rights, that means freedom in women's rights, and it especially means freedom for all oppressed people in occupied territories.” At that moment, Roan transformed the stage into a bold and utterly unforgettable statement.
As an openly queer artist, Roan has been vocal about her advocacy for drag performance. In a 2023 interview with PEOPLE, she discussed why she actively supports drag performers and includes them as openers on her tour as anti-trans legislation and drag bans continue to make headlines across the U.S.
“It’s just a great way to engage the local queer community in that city,” she explained. “I encourage people to tip the queens, that’s redistributing funds within the community there, and also it just gives a platform for the drag queens.”
She added, “Some of these queens have never performed in front of a crowd that big before, and it’s just fun.”
Cate Blanchett’s Silent Statement at Cannes
Cate Blanchett made a powerful statement on the 2024 Cannes red carpet. At first glance, her form-fitting, off-the-shoulder Jean Paul Gaultier gown, created by Colombian-born French designer Haider Ackermann, appeared to be a simple black dress. However, as she moved, the back of the gown revealed a striking white panel. When she lifted the hem, a green inner lining became visible. Standing against the red carpet, Blanchett seemed to embody the colors of the Palestinian flag.
This display was in line with her advocacy. In November of 2023, Blanchett used her platform at the European Parliament to call for a ceasefire and support for refugees.
“I am not Syrian, I am not Ukrainian, I am not Yemeni, I am notAfgani, I am not from South Sudan, I am not from Israel or Palestine. But I am a witness and having witnessed the human cost of war, violence and persecution, I cannot look away....We have all, in horror, the continuing violence, in Israel and Gaza the conflict has claimed and still claiming thousands of innocent lives.” she explained.
She added, ” Earlier this week, UNHCR High commissioner called together with several other humanitarian organizations for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and the immediate release of all civilians held hostage...We need to come together to put our humanity back at the center of asylum...This solidarity should not be limited to one group but afforded to all. The world is watching.”
The Red Button Pins
The red button pin celebrities have been wearing on the red carpet represents the Artists4Ceasefire movement. This pin features an orange hand with a black heart in the center, encircled by red, symbolizing collective support for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
Several notable figures have donned this pin at major events to advocate for peace. At the 2024 Oscars, celebrities such as Billie Eilish, her brother Finneas O'Connell, actor Ramy Youssef, director Ava DuVernay, and actor Mahershala Ali were seen wearing the pin. Actor Mark Ruffalo also showcased the pin during the same event.
Beyond the Oscars, other artists have participated in this movement. The band Boygenius, consisting of Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus, and Julien Baker, wore the pins at the Grammy Awards. Rachel Zegler and Kit Connor wore the pins during the opening night of Romeo + Juliet on Broadway. Nicola Coughlan, the Bridgerton actress, wore the pin throughout the Bridgerton Season 3 media tour and premiere and at the TIME100 Next Gala, advocating for peace in the Israel- Hamas conflict.
The Artists4Ceasefire campaign has garnered support from over 400 artists and advocates who have signed an open letter to President Biden and Congress, calling for an immediate de-escalation and ceasefire in Gaza and Israel.
Fashion has always been more than just clothes, it’s been a way to make a statement. Whether through personal style or collective action, what we wear has the power to challenge norms, start important conversations, and show support for movements. From designers to celebrities and activists, we’re seeing how fashion can be used as a powerful tool for protest. It’s clear: art is powerful, and fashion is no exception.
As we move forward, let’s continue to embrace how fashion shapes and reflects the world around us. Fashion is not just what we wear, it’s a form of political expression that speaks louder than words. Let’s keep the conversation going because fashion is political, and it’s here to stay
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