Lorde offers words of wisdom by Jenny Holzer // DNAMAG

From wearing all black in support of the #MeToo movement to statement t-shirts, clothing is an accessible and unapologetic form of spreading a message you believe in. Fashion has always been a marker of the times--what was happening, what societal expectations were in place, and what people were rebelling against. With major statements aimed towards addressing feminism, immigration, racism, the environment, and equality, it is clear that we are in a time of much needed upheaval. More than ever as well, it seems like subtly and niceties have been cast aside both on the runway and in street style. We are angry and we want to be heard.

Here are 5 moments fashion was used to make some very important statements this past year.

Fashion Stands With Planned Parenthood

There's really no better example of fashion aiming to make a change than CFDA's collaboration with Planned Parenthood. Pins distributed and worn designers and fixtures like Anna Wintour, CFDA raised awareness as well as raised funds for the organization.

Frank Ocean at Panorama Music Festival

While performing at Panorama Music Festival, Frank Ocean asked the important questions, "Why be racist, sexist, homophobic, or transphobic when you could just be quiet?". Not only does it bring up a very good point, Ocean provided amazing exposure for the young qpoc entrepreneur who designed the tee.

Lorde at the 2018 Grammy's

Lorde's dress to the 2018 Grammy's featured a beautiful, inspiring poem by neo-conceptual artist, Jenny Holzer. It reads “Rejoice! Our times are intolerable. Take courage, for the worst is a harbinger of the best. Only dire circumstance can precipitate the overthrow of oppressors. The old & corrupt must be laid to waste before the just can triumph. Contradiction will be heightened. The reckoning will be hastened by the staging of seed disturbances. The apocalypse will blossom.”

Prabal Gurung Fall 2017

The statement tee is a straight-forward conduit to get your voice heard sartorially. Prabal Gurung's string of statement tees sent down their Fall 2017 runway included slogans like "Revolution has no borders", "The future is female", and "I am an immigrant".

Off-White x Jenny Holzer

Another shout out to Jenny Holzer, this time in the form of her collaboration with Virgil Abloh for Off-White's Men's SS18 presentation. As writings by Holzer commenting on immigration and the refugee crisis were projected on the walls of the venue, Holzer and Abloh's show sits at the intersection of art, fashion, and politics.

Written by Alexa Wilson