Freedom is the trend that never goes out of style.
April 25th is much more than a national holiday, it is a powerful symbol of resistance and cultural renewal. Fashion, as a form of self-expression, has an undeniable link to this spirit of freedom.
On this day, we celebrate not only history, but also the evolution of fashion as a field of unlimited personal expression. The freedom achieved in 1974 is reflected in today's fashion choices, where diversity and personalization are celebrated. Portuguese and international designers frequently use the concept of freedom, using it as a source of inspiration for collections that speak of independence and self-expression.
In today's fashion, we celebrate much greater freedom of expression than in the past. The barriers between what is considered men's and women's clothing are disappearing, with unisex styles gaining popularity thanks to designers like Telfar Clemens. Fashion has also become more inclusive, adapting to people with disabilities. Furthermore, streetwear, once an outsider style, is now one of the most popular ways to show our individuality, with brands like Supreme and Off-White leading the trend. This evolution is a significant change from the past, when there were many restrictions on what was acceptable to wear, such as miniskirts or pants for women, which were initially seen as scandalous or inappropriate.
Many items of clothing were seen as inappropriate and even provocative, reflecting society's conservative norms. For example, until the mid-20th century, women rarely wore pants and the miniskirt became an icon of rebellion in the 1960s. Today, every style and color we choose to wear reflects a movement that values diversity and celebrates our personal identity. . This transformation in fashion reflects the spirit of freedom that we remember especially today, on the 25th of April, a day that not only marks Portugal's liberation from a dictatorship, but also reminds us of the importance of continuing to fight for freedom of expression and affirmation of our identity. It is essential that we maintain this awareness to honor and value the achievements of the past, ensuring that freedom continues to be a central value in our society.
Relating freedom and fashion is essential because fashion is one of the most visible and immediate forms of personal expression. Through what we wear, we communicate who we are, what we value, and even our position on social and cultural issues. Freedom in fashion reflects freedom in society: the freer a society, the more diverse and expressive its individuals' fashion choices are.
Recognizing and valuing these changes is important so that we do not take for granted the freedoms we now enjoy.
Happy Freedom Day. And always remember: you set your own rules. Wear what really makes you feel like yourself, because each piece is a celebration of your individuality. The dictatorship was left behind.
