NEW YORK _ There's no escaping politics these days, and New York Fashion Week is no exception.
Since the show opened last week, a number of designers have infused their collections with subtle and overt messages of concern, resistance and the need for inclusivity in the wake of the 2016 presidential election.
The high fashion street-wear brand Public School reimagined the Trump campaign's red "Make American Great Again" hats as ones that read "Make America New York," a reference to the city as a melting pot of cultures. It also challenged Mr. Trump's presidency with "We Need Leaders" and other slogans. The politically charged fashion show sparked a Twitter debate between Trump supporters and detractors.
Other designers used their shows to support diversity and feminism. At Prabal Gurung's show, models paraded down the runway in graphic tees splashed with the sayings "I am an immigrant," "Our minds, our bodies, our power," "Break down walls" and "I have a dream." The designer took his final bow in a white T-shirt that read, "This is what a feminist looks like."
Christian Siriano dressed a model for his show in a fitted black "People are people" tee paired with a flowing, high-slit, pink satin skirt. Proceeds from sales of the shirt will be donated to the ACLU.
"It is about human rights. It's not about politics. It's about supporting everyone," the designer told The Hollywood Reporter. "That's what I thought was important."
An even longer list of designers said the current political climate was part of the inspiration for their collections. Nicholas K played with '90s glam to celebrate the golden age of hip-hop and digital globalization. Michelle Smith of Milly said her emotions after the presidential election were channeled into her latest collection, "Fractured."
White bandanas and pink pins also have been trending this week. Spearheaded by the website The Business of Fashion (www.businessoffashion.com) the #TiedTogether movement encourages people to embrace everyone regardless of gender, sex, race or religion by wearing a white bandana.
The Council of Fashion Designers of America distributed pink pins that read "Fashion Stands with Planned Parenthood" and encouraged fashion week participants to wear them or share photos of them on Instagram.
"We know that so many people stand with Planned Parenthood _ including designers and entertainers _ because they and their loved ones have relied on Planned Parenthood for health care, including life-saving care like cancer screenings, birth control, STI testing and treatment and sex education," designer and council board member Tracy Reese said in a statement.
"Planned Parenthood is often the only option for this type of care in underserved communities. By creating a visually engaging and fashionable pin, we hope to create an organic social media movement promoting awareness and education."
