Image courtesy of sitesatpennstate.org
“Fashion should stay out of politics.”
If that sounds familiar, it’s because the phrase has become a go-to comment in recent years. Yet, anyone who works in fashion knows the truth: fashion has always been political.
Clothing doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s shaped by, and shapes, our social values, our ideas of taste, the norms we assign to gender, and the image we project to the world. Fashion trends inevitably become part of larger cultural conversations, many of which can end up shaping future policies.
And the fashion industry itself is political, too. The garments that forward these trends pass through the hands of countless global workers, many of whom are underpaid. The fashion supply chain contributes heavily to global pollution and carbon emissions. Every hemline, every campaign, every shipment touches a political question.
So, when Anna Wintour made headlines for saying Melania Trump would not appear on the cover of Vogue, many in fashion saw the decision as a defensible one—especially given that the administration’s policies targeted groups central to the creative and garment-labor industries, including immigrants, women, and queer communities.
But here’s the thing: when fashion and politics intersect, the result can be both powerful and beautiful. Some brands not only accept this truth—they embrace it. Below, Fashion Reverie highlights the labels that lean into their politics and use fashion as a platform for cultural expression and change.
La Ligne
La Ligne, the New York–based brand known for elevated basics, has never hesitated to make its political stance known. In 2016, the label released a tee printed with the phrase “je suis avec elle” (“I’m with her”), a nod of support for Hillary Clinton. The shirt sold out almost immediately. In the years since, La Ligne has continued to engage politically, creating campaigns encouraging mask-wearing during the pandemic and voter participation ahead of the 2024 election. Their message: everyday staples can still make a statement.
Gap Inc.
Before rushing to the assumption that small brands are the only ones that enter into the political sphere, note that Gap, Inc. is unafraid. During the 2020 election cycle, the company launched voting-rights–themed collections across multiple brands, with messaging that emphasized racial justice and climate awareness.
While American Eagle’s recent Sydney Sweeney ad stirred debate around the corporation’s political leanings, many Gap Inc. brands have remained consistent in their progressive messaging. The company’s various sub-labels may not always move in lockstep, but political engagement has undeniably become part of their broader brand identity.
Jason Wu
Jason Wu rose to prominence in the late 2000s after dressing First Lady Michelle Obama. This partnership would help to launch him from the fashion world into the political world, as well. And it turns out, Wu fits into both worlds flawlessly. In 2016, Wu designed merchandise for Hillary Clinton’s campaign, further solidifying his position within the political fashion sphere.
But don’t assume he’s only willing to dress left-leaning taste makers. After Melania Trump wore one of his dresses, Wu stated he would be willing to dress any First Lady, emphasizing the importance of neutrality.
Martyna Sowik
Polish designer Martyna Sowik uses fashion as a medium for social critique. Her work explores “the reality and condition of humans,” as stated on her website, and in recent years, she has taken explicit aim at political nationalism. In The United States of Poland, Sowik incorporated nationalist slogans and deconstructed silhouettes to comment on the rise of the far-right in Eastern Europe. The collection reimagined symbols associated with the former Eastern Bloc, challenging their meaning and cultural weight.
Images courtesy of the respective brands
Bethany Williams
U.K.-based designer Bethany Williams approaches politics through sustainability and labor ethics. While many brands claim to be eco-conscious, Williams’ work shows real commitment. She actively advocates against greenwashing and prioritizes equitable production. Her garments are hand-woven in Italy by artisans earning fair wages, a sharp contrast to the mass-production systems that dominate the industry. Williams uses her platform to spotlight the people behind the clothes and the environmental cost of ignoring them.
—Sydney Yeager
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