What is Fashion Activism?

Fashion activism is the art of using clothing to move people into action. It’s the simple process of looking through your wardrobe and making a conscious decision to wear an article of clothing that will spark the minds of others. For some, it’s a dashiki; or a hijab for others, it may be a hoodie. As a fashion activist, I make clothes to inspire but also to challenge negative perceptions about who I am. There are prominent people throughout history who pushed the status quo but have never been identified as an activist.

Hall-of-Famer Allen Iverson spent time in prison for a crime he didn’t commit but would later make it to the NBA. However, he wasn’t just happy to be at the dance, he wanted to be on the stage. He proudly rocked cornrows and was the first to sport tattoos. When questioned about his clothing, he responded, “I feel like they want us to dress a certain way. They’re targeting guys who dress like me. Guys who dress hip-hop. Just because you put a guy in a tuxedo doesn’t mean he’s a good guy.” He used his style to challenge perceptions and attitudes. Allen Iverson was a fashion activist.

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of fashion activists throughout history who carefully selected garments to move people. Angela David is known for her afro. Harriet Tubman was known for rocking a bandana. In the 1968 Olympics, Tommie Smith and John Carlos sported black gloves to make the Black Power Movement global. Fashion has been an important part of culture since the beginning of time. I am Andre Wright and I am a fashion activist.