Fashion is more than fabric draped around the body—it has long served as a powerful tool for driving change

Fashion wields undeniable power. A new outfit draped on the body doesn’t just reflect confidence—it transforms it into a tangible force, radiating from the mirror back to its wearer. Beyond its individual allure, fashion has long served as a bold tool of resistance and change, making “power dressing” more than a phrase but a statement. Throughout history, it has challenged societal structures and patriarchal norms, reclaiming style as a vehicle for defiance, solidarity, and transformation.

The Suffragettes

Consider the Suffragette movement, where women (the Suffragettes) challenged stereotypes that cast activists as unfeminine. These women, who fought for the right to vote in the United Kingdom, embraced elegant Edwardian fashions to convey respectability. They developed a distinctive visual brand through a colour palette of purple (for dignity), white (for purity), and green (for hope), which adorned their clothing, accessories, and jewellery. This strategic use of fashion unified their cause and cemented their identity as a force for change.

The Pussyhat Phenomenon

Decades later, the 2017 Women’s March birthed the now-iconic “pussyhat” phenomenon. Sparked by Donald Trump’s inauguration and his controversial remarks about women, the pink knitted hat became a powerful symbol of modern feminist activism. Co-founded by Krista Suh and Jayna Zweiman, the project reclaimed femininity through its bright pink colour, while the term “pussy” was reframed as an emblem of defiance and empowerment. During marches worldwide, seas of pink hats during marches created a striking visual of unity, underscoring the grassroots spirit of the movement.

SlutWalk

Originating from Toronto, Canada, in 2011, this movement was sparked by police officer’s comment suggesting that women should “avoid dressing like sluts” to prevent sexual assault. Outraged, the community responded by organising a protest to combat rape culture, victim-blaming, and slut-shaming. By reclaiming the term “slut” as a symbol of empowerment, SlutWalks highlighted the fundamental truth that clothing or behaviour is never to blame for sexual violence. The movement has since gone global, with participants donning provocative or everyday attire to challenge stereotypes and advocate for consent and equality.

The Black Dress Protest at the 2018 Golden Globes

At the 2018 Golden Globes, celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, and Meryl Streep wore black to champion awareness of consent. Showing solidarity to combat sexual harassment, assault, and systemic inequality in the entertainment industry and beyond, these attendees leveraged the red carpet not for sartorial spectacle. Instead, they used it as a platform to amplify urgent conversations about gender injustice and the need for reform.

Alexander McQueen’s Highland Rape (1995)

Fashion’s power extends beyond protests to the runway itself. Alexander McQueen’s provocative Highland Rape collection for Autumn/Winter 1995 remains one of the most striking examples. He used torn tartan (drawing from his Scottish heritage), dishevelled gowns, and distressed models to critique colonialism, objectification, and violence against women. Though unsettling, the collection positioned women as survivors rather than victims, forcing audiences to confront uncomfortable truths.

Fashion Runways

McQueen’s legacy as a provocateur paved the way for fashion as a medium of storytelling and activism. Chanel’s Spring/Summer 2015 show, under Karl Lagerfeld, transformed the runway into a feminist march with slogans like “Ladies First” and “History is Her Story.” Gucci’s Spring/Summer 2020 collection boldly addressed women’s reproductive rights with uterine motifs and the slogan “My Body, My Choice.” Meanwhile, Pyer Moss’s Spring 2019 show by Kerby Jean-Raymond celebrated Black women’s contributions, blending Afrocentric designs with a gospel choir to honour resilience and heritage.

This story first appeared in the March 2025 issue. Purchase it as a print or digital copy, or consider subscribing to us here