Runway Crashers and the Political Influence of Fashion Weeks
October is a month marked by fashion enthusiasts around the world as it brings forth the excitement of fashion weeks in various cities. From Shanghai to New York, London to Los Angeles, designers showcase their latest collections on runways, captivating audiences with their innovative designs. However, amidst the glamour and allure, a recurring trend has emerged – the Runway Crasher. These individuals, uninvited to fashion weeks, use the runway as a platform to highlight fashion discrepancies and make powerful political statements. While disrupting these meticulously crafted shows may be seen as disgraceful, it is important to acknowledge the mission behind these actions and consider sustainable alternatives.
The Political Influence of the Runway
Fashion weeks have historically been a hunting ground for statement pieces and political statements. Designers like Vivienne Westwood and Ashish Gupta have used their collections to make political noise, knowing the influential audience they reach. Protesters from organizations like PETA have taken over runways, crashing shows to speak out against animal cruelty in the fashion industry. These bold acts serve as a reminder that fashion is not just about aesthetics but also has the power to influence change.
Highlighting Fashion Industry Discrepancies
Animal cruelty is not the only issue plaguing the fashion industry. In 2019, model Ayesha Tan-Jones protested at the Gucci SS20 show, raising their palms with “mental health is not fashion” written out in response to Gucci’s use of straitjacket-inspired designs. These incidents shed light on the discrepancies within the industry and challenge the insular community to address these topics openly.
The Future of Runway Fashion
While runway protests have been a part of the fashion week scene for decades, it does not spell the end of runway fashion. As long as there are consumers, designer runways will continue to thrive. However, as viewers and consumers, we can recreate runway looks and fashion week outfits without supporting these discrepancies. The key lies in finding sustainable alternatives.
Embracing Sustainable Fashion Alternatives
Thrifting has become a popular avenue for fashion enthusiasts to recreate runway looks without breaking the bank or supporting the use of real furs and leathers. Secondhand stores offer the opportunity to find designer pieces at a fraction of their original prices, contributing to less manufacturing waste overall. Online platforms like Depop and Poshmark also provide access to pre-loved designer items, allowing individuals to indulge in fashion while being mindful of sustainability.
Acknowledging Fashion Industry Discrepancies
As part of the fashion community, it is crucial to acknowledge the discrepancies within the industry. By thrifting fashion week looks instead of buying directly from the runway, we can take action one step further and find fashion alternatives that do not support these controversies. Estate and moving sales can also be a goldmine for trending looks, offering unique pieces at affordable prices.
Conclusion:
Fashion week may be a captivating spectacle, but it is essential to recognize the discrepancies within the industry. Runway crashers and protesters shed light on these issues, challenging the fashion community to address them openly. As consumers, we can take action by embracing sustainable alternatives such as thrifting and online platforms to recreate runway looks without supporting the controversies. Fashion can extend beyond the runway, and by choosing conscious alternatives, we can contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive industry.
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