Good afternoon, Tuesday. Gloomy one in my city today. Looking forward to an evening in.
So with many of you going to marches- either the big event in DC or the local versions in your hometowns, my mind of course goes to something really important- what to wear. Yea, I know. Maybe not the most important thing, but dressing for a revolution has had its place in pop culture and beyond since protesting became a thing. From Eleanor Roosevelt to Susan B. Anthony to Angela Davis to Gloria Steinhem and many more, dressing well and marching on go hand in hand indeed.
So I thought I'd share some looks to get you in the mood to fight for your rights. I've already seen some excellent signs being drawn by friends and excited to see people getting out there to protest this world of pain we currently inhabit. So dress accordingly.
First off, you can't talk about revolutionary fashion without talking about Vivienne Westwood. I love her. She's a huge climate change activist and has always been the quintessential revolutionary thinker, who, along with Malcolm McClaren, gave birth to punk rock in the UK and truly started a movement, fueled by piss, anger, and a whole lot of safety pins. Oh and how about when Katherine Hamnett, she of slogan tee shirt fame, first met Margaret Thatcher? Amazing. The Brits are very good at revolutionary style. And considering they need to protest across the pond too, it's worth tipping our hats to them when it comes to defining statement dressing. As in, saying something more than a mere fashion statement for fashion's sake.
And I love Chanel's Spring/Summer show of 2015, where Karl Lagerfeld sent an impossibly chic horde of protesters down the runway for a bit of revolutionary glam. If only he had known the work we would have to do now. Love these pics I spotted on Dazed Digital. I'm obviously partial to the jumpsuits and military inspired looks. Perfect for a new version of power dressing to suit our times.
And this Cavalli collection from 2013 played with the spirit of demonstrations- Cavalli is somehow always steeped in a more flower power moment of revolution but this all applies to where we are now. Whatever it takes.
And then look at this group of ultimate bad ass women. I'd march with them anytime. All stylish ladies, all brilliant. All passionate about protecting our rights. And I love this solo pic of Gloria Steinhem, who knows that wearing basic black is a way to get shit done. I know that too. And it makes you feel tough to boot.
And one of my favorite brands, Meg, who has a lovely shop in my neighborhood, sold out of this fabulous sweatshirt, and donated 10% of the proceeds to Planned Parenthood. Also lovely is the Suffragette tee from Claire Vivier. And when St. Vincent rocked the infamous "The Future is Female" sweatshirt, it caused an Instagram sensation and became a must have for those proud to show their female pride. According to the New York Times, "The original “The Future Is Female” T-shirt design was made for Labyris Books, the first women’s bookstore in New York City. The photographer Liza Cowan took a picture of Alix Dobkin, her girlfriend at the time, wearing it in 1975."
And though it may be too cold to rock this without layering in NY or DC, this pink jumpsuit from Rachel Comey is so perfect for a female led march. Love the color, love the "got work to do" vibe. So good. Yea, it's spendy. Go get one from Dickies and dye it. You're welcome.
Just felt inspired to share some ways to fight the power in style, even if Chanel may seem a wee too, well, hmm. And yes, we have way more to do than just contemplate what to wear. But self expression is also a huge way to get your point across, so why not do it with style? It matters not if you wear Chanel or flea market finds- just show up. And be your damn self. After all, it's our right.
Cause that's what's up this still a free country kind of Tuesday in the very stylish 212. Yours, in making a difference, and dressing well. Who are your favorite style revolutionaries? XO