Are we seeing the resurgence of political streetwear?
Possibly the most discernible facet of contemporary streetwear is the humble slogan-slapped T-shirt. While emblazoned slogans make for an authentic and decidedly individual statement, streetwear designers have always deemed it more than just a trend. Weighing in their opinions on the political, cultural and socio-economic state of the world, and voicing it through potent slogans – streetwear has always found its roots in politics.
The ’80s and ’90s were marked by the rise of cult streetwear labels that did not shy away from social commentary with examples in PNB aka ‘Post No Bills’. They were calling out racial injustice by taking the abbreviation and adapting them into terms like ‘Puerto Ricans ‘N Blacks’ and ‘Proud Nubian Brothers’, creating Tees that read ‘It’s A Black Thing... You Wouldn’t Understand’. Streetwear was more that just stylish garb, it was a means to agitate and address societal norms.
Circa now, a political upheaval has erupted launching us into an era of Brexit, Trump, terrorism, sexism and racism. The new generation of designers is politically aware and unafraid of expressing their opinions. Brexit creatively stirred many designers including Philip Ellis and British designer of Indian origin Ashish Gupta.
This story is from the July 2017 edition of Grazia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 2017 edition of Grazia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
NEW ROLE, NEW RULE
As the first Indian woman to win two Michelin stars and a new mother, chef Garima Arora shares her recipe to a well-rounded life full of flavours, tradition, and ambition
HUMBLE HERITAGE
India’s multicultural facets and diverse approach to food, fashion, and life has inspired many, and this brand is paying the ultimate tribute to the country
CLEAN SLATE
What are the beauty secrets of Gen Z representative Khushi Kapoor, the firstever ambassador of a much-loved Korean beauty brand?
PORE PERFECTION
What is oil gritting and why is everyone talking about it?
ELEVATING QUIET LUXURY
This Italian fashion house is consistent in its efforts to make subdued luxury look cool
A LOVE LIKE THIS
After a picturesque show that got everyone talking, Amrita Khanna and Gursi Singh of Lovebirds speak about their new collection
SOME KIND OF BRILLIANCE
How do you detail a sparkling four-decade long career journey in a half-hour chat? By uncovering the things that matter the most: A passion for design, a love for gemstones, and a dream of wanderlust. In what is probably her 40th visit to the country for Bulgari’s A Roman Holi gala), Lucia Silvestri, Bulgari’s Creative Director, talks to Grazia about the things that she holds closest
STRAIGHT-TALKING
Going beyond being a nod to tradition, embracing our heritage is an exploration of timeless craft, details Monica Shah of luxury label JADE
Label ALERT
This month, form and fabric shape different philosophies on dressing
YOUNG CONNOISSEURS
Meet Rudritara Shroff, the 16-year-old who brought together revered names in Indian art to create artworks that aid neonatal growth