We know that your attention is still on last Sunday's legislative elections... after all, our country's politics dominated the latest conversations!
We want to take advantage of the fact that we are all in the mood for political conversations to tell you a little about how fashion, in addition to being a personal and cultural expression, is also, in many cases, political.
Fashion has always been an expression of communication, and politics is no different! The crucial role it plays in building public image and influencing political decisions is undeniable. From the clothes worn by political leaders to the trends that dominate the catwalks.
Fashion began to be used as a political tool in the 18th century, when European elites used luxurious and extravagant clothes with the aim of showing their power and social status. During the French Revolution, revolutionaries adopted the “San culottes” costume as a declaration of solidarity with the working classes and as a sign of opposition to the monarchical regime. Then, in the 1960s, contractual youth adopted distinctive clothing and accessories, such as faded jeans, tie-dye shirts and long hair, as a statement of rebellion against established norms. During the civil rights movement in the United States, protesters wore formal and distinctive clothing to draw attention to their causes and demonstrate dignity and pride in their racial identity.
Today, fashion continues to be a powerful form of political expression. Designers and fashion brands are increasingly interested in incorporating political themes into their collections, from raising awareness of social issues such as feminism and gender equality to criticizing government policies and social injustice, as consumers increasingly recognize the power of their purchasing choices and choose brands that support their political and social causes.
We will give you some examples of some catwalks that have been the stage for political causes. 
Firstly, we have designer Vivienne Westwood, who is known for using her fashion shows to defend her political beliefs, especially in her Red Label. In this show, in 2015, the British designer presented a collection in an attempt to encourage the vote in favor of Scottish independence with regard to that year's independence. The designer, Scottish by birth, used her catwalk as a platform to express her support for Scottish independence.
During the parade, the models wore clothes with pro-independence political badges, with a “Yes” written on it, thus appealing for a positive vote on the issue. This parade was one of the great examples of a political demonstration that generated an impact on the fashion industry.
Another fashion show that marked the fashion industry took place in 2016, at Dior, marked by the debut of creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri, known for having revolutionized the brand's history, by becoming the first woman to hold her position. Since then, she has been responsible for bringing a feminist and contemporary approach to the brand, with collections that celebrate women and address important social issues.
The show was a tribute to feminist art and the protest movement, with a collection inspired by the work of Italian feminist artist Marisa Merz, known for her sculptures and installations that explore female themes, motherhood and identity.
During the show, models walked the catwalk wearing t-shirts printed with slogans such as “we should all be feminists”, as well as flat sneakers combined with dresses, thus reflecting Dior's commitment to gender equality and the fight for women's rights.
Interestingly, before Maria Grazia's arrival, the brand was often called into question due to alleged objectification of women.
Both examples show how brands can use their influence to promote positive changes in society. By recognizing the power of fashion to bring about change, we can transform the way we view fashion and its impact on our lives and society in general.
If you had a minute on the catwalk with all the visibility that big stages bring, what political movement would you wear? How did you make a difference? Tell us everything in #WHITEDEERCOMMUNITY
