POLITICALLY CHIC
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore|October 2024
In a year of major elections happening globally, Aaron Kok investigates the role that fashion plays in the arena of politics, and how it can be the make-or-break tool.
POLITICALLY CHIC

A new fashion icon has emerged from the Presidential elections in the United States, and it’s not who you’d think it might be.

While Kamala Harris capped off a fourday convention by accepting the Democratic nomination as their candidate in the upcoming elections, it was Tim Walz who came through as the new fashion icon of the party.

Specifically, it was his penchant for camouflage-printed caps, hardy boots and fleece jackets that earned him fans. TikTokers call him the candidate with the midwestern dad energy. Fashion critics have hailed his dressdown approach as a win in itself, thanks to the everyman appeal. One viral tweet read “He might run for vice president, or he might clean the garage. It’s the weekend; anything can happen.”

In the theatre of politics today, fashion has become more than a uniform worn to address your constituents. In many ways, they’re a silent tool that when employed effectively, can be as effective as the speeches and the rally banners.

And here’s the other thing: it’s not new either.

Ancient Romans wore togas as a symbol of citizenship and identity. In the days of the French Revolution, the working class wore cargo trousers as a badge of honour for their humble stations. In the ’70s, the black beret was employed in a brilliant stroke of identity marketing by the Black Panther Party. As we transitioned into the era of Reagan-omics in the ’80s, the ‘more is more’ approach to dressing ushered in the golden days of the power suit.

Even in the context of the now, fashion remains political.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HARPER'S BAZAAR SINGAPOREView all
Out Of This World
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

Out Of This World

Celestial bodies animate autumn's most elegant spritzes.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Do You Fashion, Bro?
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

Do You Fashion, Bro?

As the number of male fashion influencers swells, we look at what's driving this trend.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
BEYOND BEACHES
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

BEYOND BEACHES

Escape Down Under for everything your heart desires a romantic intimate wedding, or a cruise along Sydney's picturesque harbour. The world is your oyster and the best thing is you can eat it too.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
DOWN TO EARTH
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

DOWN TO EARTH

In the spacious apartment of Geraldine Toh and Vincent Lim, art, design elements and an earthy sensibility commingle in perfect harmony.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
CRUISING ALTITUDE
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

CRUISING ALTITUDE

With his idiosyncratic Thai movies, dashing movie star good looks and frequent Paris red carpet appearances, Apo Nattawin Wattanagitiphat is bringing the best of Thailand to the rest of the world.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
PUT A RING ON IT
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

PUT A RING ON IT

Complete your love story with a beautiful engagement ring and exquisite bridal jewellery from storied London jeweller, GRAFF.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
PERFECTING TIME
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

PERFECTING TIME

With its unique Atelier d'Antoine programme and an assembly of artisans, Jaeger-LeCoultre shows how it takes watchcraft into the next level.

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2024
SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW

'The Shape of Colours', Hermès haute bijouterie collection, is a true technicolour dream.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
HAUTE BIJOUX
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

HAUTE BIJOUX

The latest and most talked-about collections.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
REPAIR REVOLUTION
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

REPAIR REVOLUTION

Unlock your skin's potential.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024