13 Standout Moments of Activism From New York Fashion Week

Updated on 2/18/2017 at 5:30 PM

One important lesson the election has taught many of us is that anyone can be an activist. When New York Fashion Week rolled around, we waited to see what moves designers would make on the runway. How would they acknowledge the current political climate? Tommy Hilfiger kicked off the conversation with a show in LA that incorporated white bandanas (to show unity and inclusion) while the CFDA distributed pins in support of Planned Parenthood. No matter where you turned, most shows began and ended on a political note.

Likewise, models, celebrities, and influencers joined the conversation by whether wearing pink pins, a white bandana, or a shirt that said "F*ck Hate." Prior to NYFW, critics had chided the fashion industry for remaining silent on President Donald Trump's policies, but this community has never ignored the news; they were just waiting for the right time to speak out. And NYFW provided the perfect platform.

Gigi Hadid Tied a White Bandana to Her Wrist on the Tommy Hilfiger Runway

Business of Fashion launched the #TiedTogether movement during Fashion Week, asking the community to wear white bandanas as a way to show unity, equality, and an appreciation for all humankind. Tommy Hilfiger was the first to kick this off at his show when Gigi Hadid walked down the runway with one tied to her wrist.

Mara Hoffman Invited the Co-Founders of the Women's March on Washington to Her Show

The four ladies stood side by side to make their opening remarks before the models came down the runway. “This show is inspired by the women whose songs are not yet sung, the allies, the named and the nameless," said the show notes. "I dedicate this to the women who are constantly creating in the name of change."

Tome Sent Models Down the Runway Wearing Planned Parenthood Pins

The "Fashion Stands With Planned Parenthood" pins were a collaboration between the organization and the CFDA. They were spotted as front-row momentos at shows like the Brock Collection while models at Tome wore one with their runway outfits.

The Pins Were Spotted on Street Style Stars and Celebs Alike

Emily Ratajkowski wore her's to Altuzarra.

At Christian Siriano, a Model Wore a Black Tee That Said, "People Are People"

Of the 52 looks that the designer sent down the runway, this t-shirt drew the most cheers and applause from guests. All proceeds from the shirt went to the ACLU, which quickly led to it selling out.

Jonathan Simkhai Stepped Out in a "Feminist AF" Shirt

The designer handed out "Feminist AF" shirts to the front row in addition to wearing one himself. Simkhai sold them on his website (with all proceeds going to Planned Parenthood) and for every seat filled at his show, donated an extra five dollars to the organization.

Prabal Gurung Showed a Whole Line of Activist Tees

Models such as Bella Hadid, Candice Huffine, and Marquita Pring walked down the runway in shirts that read, “I Have a Dream," “Love is Love,” “We’re Still Here,” and “Stronger Than Fear." Gurung revealed that he was inspired by the Women's March he had attended in January, giving way to create these shirts. For those who attended the march, you'll recognize that a lot of these phrases were chanted by the crowd in NYC. "To me feminism is not just a trending topic," he said. "It’s the only way I’ve known, even before I knew what [feminism] was."

The Theme of Chromat's Show Was Literally Survival

Chromat collaborated with outdoor brand Klymit for its Fall 2017 show, designing inflatable garments that "help the wearer stay afloat and protected." The theme was how to survive in a world where there are so many uncertainties, especially with the current politics. "We know that no one is entitled to a happy ending," said the show notes. "And this has further strengthened our drive to fight for the inclusive and empowering world we want to see." As guests exited the room, the song "F Trump" played on repeat.

Public School Had Models Wear "Make America New York" Snapbacks

Designers Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne played on President Donald Trump's campaign slogan ("Make America Great Again") with "Make America New York." The phrase appeared on snapbacks and crop tees in the Fall '17 collection along with a jacket that read, "We Need Leaders."

A Shirt From Liberatore Read: Freedom From Fear

The top also featured a graphic that appeared to be two parents tucking their children into bed. The innocent scene contrasted sharply with the rest of America's mood.

Cinq à Sept Had a Shirt That Said, "I Love Everyone"

The fashion community tried to send out positive, messages of hope during Fashion Week and Cinq à Sept followed suit. The show had a model wear a shirt that seemingly spoke to an inclusive and diverse America.

Creatures of Comfort Reminded Guests That "We Are All Human Beings"

Perhaps no phrase better connects us all than this one on a blue shirt at Creatures of Comfort. Designer Jade Lai created a multicolor top that said, "We Are All Human Beings," for her Fall '17 collection.

Bloggers Voiced Their Political Views

Aimee Song was snapped wearing a "No Walls Between Us," jacket and she wasn't the only one whose outfit got political. Many street style stars sported phrases on their shirts such as "Love Will Keep Us Together" and "F*ck Hate."