Whether brands like to admit it or not, fashion is political. It goes far deeper than whether or not they choose to dress an elected leader. From Suffragettes signifying their allegiance with the colour purple to Katharine Hamnett’s slogan T-shirts, the industry has always been levied by activists. However, today, during Trump’s reign, the Council of Fashion Designers of America has chosen to engage in politics directly.
The CFDA, which is the US’ equivalent of the British Fashion Council, has organised for pink badges printed with the ‘Fashion Stands With Planned Parenthood’ to be distributed during New York Fashion Week. While many have been expecting the NY shows, which kick off on Thursday, to be charged with a political spirit, this is a direct rally cry from the highest pulpit of American fashion.
This initiative is being led by CFDA member and designer Tracy Reese and is being supported by labels like Proenza Schouler, Diane von Furstenberg, Tory Burch and Zac Posen, modelling agencies and PR agencies. They hope to promote Planned Parenthood, a non-profit organisation that educates on sexual health and provides contraception, abortions, STI testing and pregnancy counselling, which has been put under increased pressure by the Republican administration’s funding cuts.
Although this pink badge makes a strong statement, it isn’t the first time CFDA has promoted a social, political agenda. In the past, they’ve lobbied for Breast Cancer awareness, worked with disaster relief funds and HIV/AIDS organisations.
In an official statement, Tracy Reese said: ‘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.'
She added: ‘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.’
Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, continues, ‘Planned Parenthood has stood defiantly in the face of opposition for a century, and we’re not backing down now.
‘The American people overwhelmingly support our organisation and strongly oppose “defunding” care at our health centres. Planned Parenthood’s millions of supporters, including the CFDA, are mobilising to protect access to reproductive health and rights for everyone, including the 2.5 million patients we serve, and we will continue to fight to ensure that all people can get the care they need.’
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.