FASHION a fight for freedom

IN AN AGE WHERE EVERYTHING IS POLITICAL, FASHION HAS TAKEN ITS PLACE AS A MOUTHPIECE OF THE PEOPLE AND WE'RE NOT JUST TALKING ABOUT CLEVERLY-WORDED SLOGAN TEES...

- ARLIN BANTAM

Politician Vladimir Lenin said it best: "There are decades where nothing happens, and there are weeks where decades happen." In the ever-changing world of fashion, this couldn't be more true. The art of fashion brings to life society's dreams and challenges its norms, and yet the question persists: Can fashion be political?

Never before has fashion formed more part of the mainstream conversation than it does today. And that is largely due to fashion-loving Gen-Zs who interrogate the industry - examining the pitfalls of the medium, but also the ways in which the power and influence of the industry can be used to bring about change and spark a bigger conversation.

We unpack ways that fashion has served to encourage freedom of expression.

SLOW FASHION

We all know what 'fast fashion' is - the hyper-industrial approach to fashion that we're all familiar with. It's global conglomerates that churn out trendy pieces faster than the speed of light and sell them at surprisingly low prices. Often as a result of an exploited labour force, the use of unsustainable materials, and unethical sourcing.