Fashion as Protest: Political Statements on Red Carpets and Runways

A red carpet gives celebrities one thing that activists have always sought after: attention. With cameras broadcasting their every move, some designers and stars have found ways to transform their clothing into something more than decorative and into a highly visible form of protest. Sometimes their messages are overt, printed right across a t-shirt or a dress. And other times, the meaning is carried more subtly by one fashion element like a ribbon, a belt, or a carefully chosen color choice. These occurrences may not create political change on their own, but they do have the power to put a cause or statements in front of millions of people almost instantaneously. Here are some of the most memorable moments when fashion became part of a political statement and helped push a larger conversation in society.

The 2018 Golden Globes Blackout

The Golden Globes in 2018 were a bit different than any typical awards show. Many attendees chose to wear black in solidarity with Time’s Up’s newly launched initiative and its campaign against workplace inequality and sexual harassment.