In a post-Trump America fashion is no longer just about the aesthetic but the political too. At New York fashion week back in February the ‘it’ accessory of choice was a pink badge - worn to show support for Planned Parenthood - and this season we forecast another politically charged piece to have its moment: the new Raf Simons’ tote bag.
Part of Raf Simons debut collection from his eponymous label, the bag comes emblazoned with an abstract version of the american flag and the words ‘Any Way Out of This Nightmare?' Either worn cross-body or slung over the shoulder, this 100% cotton black tote bag is distinctly different to your classic ‘it’ bag contender.
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The same motif was spotted on the catwalk back in February when the ex-Dior and current Calvin Klein designer chose to dedicate his first solo collection to the city of New York. Complete with ‘I heart New York’ knits and sashes, the AW17 collection was inspired by the Belgium-born designer’s experience as an immigrant in the Big Apple.
Similarly, Raf Simons’ first collection for Calvin Klein made a subtle nod to political protest with models walking down the catwalk to David Bowie’s This Is Not America. The show notes also emphasised the designer’s aim to depict the ‘unique beauty and emotion of America’ in the ‘coming together of different characters and different individuals’.
Other designers to embrace activism since Trump was elected into the White House include Creatures of Comfort, Prabal Gurung and LRS.
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