When President Trump’s immigration ban went into effect, much of the fashion world remained oddly silent, causing news outlets like Business of Fashion and Mic to let out a resounding (and, at the time, warranted) “What gives?” François-Henri Pinault of Kering, Naeem Khan, Diane Von Furstenberg, Christian Siriano, Public School’s Dao-Yi Chow, Bella and Gigi Hadid, Lindsey Wixon and Cara Delevigne were some of the first to speak out and, in the case of Bella, Gigi and Dao-Yi, take to the streets. Given that so many of the industry’s elites and workers are immigrants, it seemed strange for designers not to speak out — especially given their recent outpouring of support for the Women’s March.
Turns out many were simply biding their time, waiting to make their stand on the global platform that is New York Fashion Week. Over the past few days, the proverbial (politically charged) beat dropped. In addition to sporting pink Planned Parenthood-supporting pins, designers used clothes, accessories and set design to unequivocally voice their political beliefs. Fashion is no longer frivolous, folks.
Click through the slideshow above to witness some of the more strident runway-based protests. (Honorable mention goes to the teams at Calvin Klein, Cushnie et Ochs, Chromat, Telfar, Tracy Reese and Monse, who expressed their anti-Trump feelings through soundtrack — in some cases song, in others spoken word.)
NYFW Gets Political
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Alice & Olivia
Alice & Olivia implored presentation goers to "be the change you wish to see in the world."
Image: Imaxtree
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Prabal Gurung
Prabal Gurung's politically charged finale, in which models walked the runway wearing tees proclaiming "revolution has no borders," "we will not be silenced," "yes, we should all be feminists," "girls just want to have fundamental rights," "the future is female" and more was so moving, it made Bella Hadid cry. (Also, models wore white bandanas representing "inclusivity, diversity and unity" on their wrists in recognition of Business of Fashion's #TiedTogether campaign.)
Image: Imaxtree
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Adam Lippes
The Instagram caption says it all: "Making a statement for #AdamLippes Fall 2017 #nyfw #IStandwithPP."
Image: @adamlippes
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Creatures of Comfort
The Creatures of Comfort Fall 2017 collection included graphic tees and sweatshirts that read "we are all human beings."
“It’s kind of a reaction to what’s happening right now,” founder Jade Lai told Vogue. “I thought it was a good way to bring positivity to what’s going on.” The tops are now available on the brand's e-commerce site.
Image: @Imaxtree
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Mara Hoffman
Bob Bland, Tamika Mallory, Carmen Perez and Linda Sarsour — the four national chairs of the Women's March on Washington — opened Mara Hoffman's Fall 2017 presentation with a speech on intersectional feminism.
Image: @marahoffman
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Jonathan Simkhai
Simkhai took a bow in a "feminist AF" tee, which was also distributed to the show's front-row denizens.
Image: Brian Ach/Getty Images for New York Fashion Week: The Shows
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LRS Studio
Mexican-born designer Raul Solis of LRS Studio decorated his models' intimates with a none-too-subtle message.
Image: @officemagazinenyc
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Christian Siriano
Diversity champ Christian Siriano was another of the league of designers who shared their sentiments via silkscreened tees. (Side note: 10 plus-size models walked his show.)
Image: Imaxtree
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The Row
Mary Kate and Ashley took an itsy-bitsy — but still poignant — stand, accenting their button-downs and It accessories with messages like "hope," "freedom," "unity" and "dignity."
Image: @therow
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Tommy Hilfiger
Together, Gigi and Tommy got on board with BoF's #TiedTogether initiative.
Image: Imaxtree
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Cinq à Sept
Cinq à Sept spread a message of love, acceptance and inclusivity.
Image: Imaxtree
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Gypsy Sport
Designer Rio Uribe scouted his models at the Women's March and #nobannowall protests in New York City. Oh, and he lined his runway with would-be refugee tents. Nuff said.
Image: Imaxtree
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Public School
Given Dao-Yi's allegiance to the #nobannowall movement, we're assuming "Make America New York" means make America diverse, cosmopolitan and a refuge for minorities.
Image: Imaxtree
