America Ferrera Perfectly Sums Up the Relationship Between Fashion and Politics
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The relationship between fashion and politics can seem pretty trivial at first: what someone wears or doesn't wear shouldn't influence your vote — where you stand on larger issues should. But clothes can get people talking, and that's exactly what Rebecca Minkoff and America Ferrera aimed to do when they collaborated on a t-shirt that says "Make America Ferrera Again."
"The message is about not being afraid to make the election personal," America told us when we met up with her at Rebecca Minkoff's SoHo store. She's also hoping the shirt, complete with an image of her face, will be a conversation starter. "My friend Amy Schumer wore it while registering voters in Tampa, which made me so happy because that's exactly what it's for," America said. "It's to empower you to go out, engage, and be a part of the conversation."
Read on for America's full answer on how politics and fashion are connected, along with one from Rebecca herself. Then shop the shirt and get the conversation going on your end.
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Rebecca Minkoff on the Tie Between Fashion and Politics
"I think fashion gives politics a platform to be shown on and talked about. People can say how they feel, express themselves, and what better way to do that when you have a message that you strongly believe in?"
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America on the Tie Between Fashion and Politics
"Obviously, we have a really big choice to make. To be able to wear a shirt that lets anyone know where you stand is empowering. It's nice to see people not afraid to be heard, and to let others know it's OK to be engaged. It's OK to have an opinion. It's OK to want to share that and scream it from the rooftops.
It's hard to put yourself out there now more than ever with the access that people have to you. You can't put anything out without getting all kinds of feedback, positive and negative. So we need to embolden one another to not just stay silent. That's why, for me, I need to be surrounded by people — strong people — who are brave enough to use their voices and let their opinions be known. It reminds me to not get safe and lazy."
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