Just in recent years, we have seen fashion symbols of ideas and protest, as well as debates of representations of cultures and bodies through clothing.
The #metoo movement brought knit pink pussyhats and actors wearing black to the Academy Awards. Rainbow-wear is synonymous with Pride and white vests “became a symbol of queer identity.” Black Lives Matter quickly made T-shirts to celebrate the cause.
Then there’s controversy over garments like the burkini, crop tops, and the changing nature of office wear since the pandemic. The founder of the mini skirt, Mary Quant, died earlier this year. Her frock evoked a freedom for women, but one that even decades later is not always acceptable. Others might not consider trends that expose bodies to be freedom at all. Our journalist subject today said that Quant “freed the female leg. We owe you.” in her RIP tweet for the designer.