As a feminist and a fashion-lover I’ve long wrestled with the idea that my passion for one would somehow negate the other. I believe strongly in gender equality. I protest sexism and injustice. I volunteer for Planned Parenthood. I also read fashion magazines and spend a fairly large chunk of my time writing about cute shoes.
I’ve come to realize that my two interests actually go hand in hand. In Ms. Magazine’s new issue, Minh-Ha T. Pham, an assistant professor at Cornell and also a fashion blogger (right on!), explores the many intersections of fashion and feminism. “If feminists ignore fashion,” she says, “we are ceding our power to influence it.” I couldn’t agree more.
Fashion is a concept and an industry, yes, but at its heart is a simple act: getting dressed. Our clothing sends a message to the world, and as such, the clothing we choose is actually a powerful tool for self-expression. It allows us to express ourselves on an individual level and on a much larger scale, such as the prevailing dress codes of a nation or religion. Throughout history and throughout the world, fashion is closely tied to political movements, cultural identities, and increased visibility for marginalized groups. Clothing has the power to stoke the fires of revolution.
So why does fashion get a bad name? Keep reading »
