WE SHOULD ALL BE FEMINISTS

Slogan t-shirts 2017

We’re in the midst of a revolution. Or rather, people are getting revolutionary with politically active slogan fashion. Amidst all that is happening in the world, it feels like we’re on the precipice of change. Something’s gotta give. Shift. Alter, for goodness sake- people are getting angry, propelled into activism and want to be heard (or read, on an item of clothing). Living up to its legacy, the fashion world has come with a fierce rebuttal for 2017.

Here’s the trend that trumps (enjoy the pun, it was intentional) all other 2017 forecasts: activist chic.

Kicking off the feeling of activist fashion in October 2016 in Paris, Maria Grazia Chiuri emblazoned her debut catwalk show for Dior with a t-shirt with “WE SHOULD ALL BE FEMINISTS” in big bold letters across the front. She wrote after the show that she “strive[s] to be attentive and open to the world and to create fashion for the women of today”.

It’s spurring on a big movement for being outspoken about your views, creating change and literally wearing it on your sleeve (t-shirt). Celebrities have been stepping up to use their positions of influence to spread views, about politics (Emma Watson, Meryl Streep), clean water rights (Shailene Woodly), LGBT rights (Ellen page, Miley Cyrus, Anne Hathaway, Hari Nef), environmental rights (Leonardo Dicaprio, James Cameron), the list goes on.

Haider Ackermann’s runway was fuelled by color and structured tailoring, he showed off slogan tees with ‘BE YOUR OWN HERO’ and ‘SILENT SOLDIER’ in bold.

Julien Dossena let lose his inspiration for science fiction with his designs for Paco Rabanne. Tops read slogans like ‘FUTURESEX’ and ‘CANNED CANDIES’.

London’s infamous Ashley Williams threw a wild teenage-angsty runway with a feeling of bubble-gum chewing anger and suits that shouted ‘FIRST BORN’.

His 10-year anniversary collection was as bold and as colourful as we would dare imagine. Henry Holland’s slogan tee’s stated loud and clear messages of knocking down boundaries and got people talking. “LET’S GET OBSCENE CARA DELEVINGNE’ and ‘SUCK ON MY TOE PHEOBE PHILO’.

The slogan t-shirt trend is one that can be pulled from the catwalk-pedestal and worn by all. Fashion continues to prove to be a vehicle for self-expression. Wear it boldly folks, activism tees are the bee’s knees. Get involved and evoke a sense of empowerment and unity (and you’ll be bang on trend for 2017).

Words Daniella Down