And the Influence of Fashion on Culture and Politics
Let's Recap
Last week, we covered the powerful synergy between music and fashion. This relationship has fueled cultural movements for decades, influencing what we wear and how we express ourselves to connect with the world around us.
Read: Music and Fashion Shape Our World
NYFW and Voting: Fashion Takes a Stand
Fashion for Our Future
It's the first day of New York Fashion Week, and this morning, Vogue's Anna Wintour, alongside models, editors, and designers such as Thom Browne and Aurora James, kicked off the #FashionforFutureMarch in New York City. The purpose of the march was to encourage voter registration in the United States.
We're barreling toward the 2024 Presidential Election, and the stakes are high, so concerned citizens are using their voices to speak up about what they care about. Per Vogue, presenters covered "the energy and power of the fashion industry and the importance of civic engagement at pivotal moments in our electoral politics."
Jill Biden even made a surprise appearance, explaining that although fashion allows us to speak without saying a word, we must also state our needs directly. Dr. Biden urged audience members not to forget that they have the power to elect passionate people dedicated to improving life in the U.S. and beyond.
Fashion's Role in the Future of Media and Tech
Defining Media Consumption
We've already seen an example of fashion's influence on culture and politics, but how does that relate to technology redefining media consumption?
First, it's helpful to define media, which includes the outlets, tools, and various means of communication we use to store and deliver content. In other words, it's the dissemination of news, entertainment, and other information to large audiences. Media consumption refers to the activities an individual or group performs to interact with media for their edification, such as watching YouTube and films, reading books and magazines, or listening to podcasts and music.
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Aya Nakamura Performs "Fly" Live at Vogue World: Paris
Watching a high-production event on YouTube, especially one that uses advanced technology like drones, high-quality cameras, and microphones, highlights the shift in media consumption driven by technology. It allows viewers to access experiences that would have otherwise been out of reach, such as exclusive fashion shows or concerts, from anywhere in the world. Take Aya Nakamura's hauntingly beautiful performance of "Fly" at Vogue World in Paris, for example.
This democratization of media, where people can enjoy high-caliber events for free or at a lower cost, reflects how digital platforms and streaming services are reshaping how we engage with content. No longer bound by geography or ticket prices, viewers can participate in cultural moments and experience them in high definition. Such access not only reinforces the reality that technology and digital media transform how we consume and interact with the world around us but also broadens and deepens our connection to products and institutions that inspire us.
The Influence of Fashion on Culture and Politics
Fashion has always mirrored cultural shifts. During a time when our political climate is quite charged, designers are using their platforms to speak out on issues ranging from climate change to social justice. As always, the runways of NYFW will be filled with designs that reflect this moment in history — bold, statement-making pieces that communicate more than just a sense of style.
Ralph Lauren's Spring 2025 show #RLintheHamptons included Naomi Cambell as a subtle nod to the revolutionary and industry-disrupting Ralph Lauren campaign featuring Naomi and Tyson Beckford, published in 1997. It marked the first time two Black models were used in a high-end advertisement. Yesterday, we flocked to newsstands; today, we hastily open Instagram for these moments.
From the Black Lives Matter movement influencing streetwear to the push for sustainability in luxury fashion, the clothes we choose to wear make political statements and can drive positive change if we allow them. As you watch fashion shows and obsess over runways this week, remember that fashion isn’t just reacting to the world — it’s shaping it.
