Feminism isn’t something that should be a fashion statement. It’s an ethos that is integral to the life of all women. However, unfortunately this season it seems it has been gripped onto by designers and the high street as a way of being ‘edgy’. The value of this is debatable. On the one hand it does make a political ideal more accessible and, by permeating society in a commodified way, it creates an easy way for young women to educate themselves. The risks though are wrapped up in the way it is sold; as a slogan on a t-shirt and a badge on a denim jacket. By wrapping up equality in the simplicity of a trend, in an undoubtedly disposable way, it risks dumbing down the ideals and making them into a gimmick.
Chanel famously this season had its models parading down the runway, brandishing placards complete with feminist slogans. ‘History is HER story’ amongst other inspirational quotes cascaded the catwalk. On the surface this would seem fantastic right? Finally the fashion world channelling a worthy cause; perhaps moving away from the elitism and destructive aspects? Debatable. Karl Lagerfeld has famously said in the past that ‘eating isn’t very Chanel’ and equated complaints of size zero models to ‘fat mommies with packets of crisps’. This somewhat dilutes the initial heart-warming sentiment of his collection. The fact that this would come at a time when millions of t-shirts are available proclaiming ‘this is what a feminist looks like’ is no coincidence. These t-shirts, like the show, on the surface, seem to be a fantastic statement for young women. But looking deeper into the mere manufacturing of them, they are the antithesis of what they seem to be. They are a product of the underpaid fingers of a Mauritian sweat shop; the work of women paid sixty two pence an hour.
Both of these examples reveal the perils of commodifying a political movement. As with anything, it’s the motivation behind the words and actions that counts. If the reason you start reading Simone De Beauvoir is because Karl Lagerfeld’s size zero, predominantly white, models told you to, well then at least it’s influenced you to start reading material that will actually educate. The danger here is simply that feminism shouldn’t be treated as a fad. However, if once you’ve done a bit of reading and opened your eyes to a few of the issues, you would be proud to declare yourself a feminist, then hurrah!
Here are a few fun ways of connecting your sartorial sensibilities to your quest for equality.
- Growing/Dyeing your armpit hair.
Firstly this is not for everyone. By no means does being a feminist mean you have a moral obligation to keep all of your body hair. The point is the choice. Dictating an absolute must concerning body decisions is counter-productive. If you prefer your pits shaved that’s equally as feminist, so long as it’s for your fabulous self only. If you are a fluff fan, then a great way to wear your pit wigs proud is to dye them a bright colour. Bleaching them can be risky so if you have sensitive skin this should probably be avoided. However, if you regularly dye the hair on your head, a quick 10 minutes with 30 vol peroxide and a Bleach London vibrant colour later you’re good to go.
- Jewellery/badges
As previously mentioned this is slightly more risky. Buying a t-shirt with a slogan isn’t necessarily terrible. If you’re keen to wear the name feminist proudly then there’s nothing wrong with that being printed on your clothes. However, to avoid the ethical dilemma of mass production, Etsy offer a great range of hundreds of different hand-made t-shirts and pieces of jewellery. Whether it’s a choker or a patch for your rucksack, Etsy have everything.
Again the most important thing with any of this is education. Part of being a woman is growing up and having that eureka moment where you realise things are slightly different for you. The biggest importance is educating yourself to the ways in which other women are affected by the patriarchy. It is one thing to grow your armpit hair and go to a Joanna Gruesome concert (who are well worth a listen if you haven’t already), but it’s another knowing the facts. Leeds Uni’s own Lipsy magazine are a great source for ways in which ALL women are affected. We also have a fantastic feminist society where you can exercise some of your well-deserved female angst. So bear your anger proudly; just make sure it’s coming from the right place.
Jessie Florence Jones