Ever since Donald Trump was elected as the 45th president of the United States and the Brexit vote in Great Britain, “political fashion” has peaked. Designers are setting examples against populism, discrimination and hate. We are living in a world where building walls has terrifyingly won legitimacy and therefore it is right to take stand for values such as freedom and tolerance – e.g. as Diesel has done with its campaign “Make Love Not Walls”. The British designer Daniel W. Fletcher put it even more boldly and created a collection that obviously acknowledges the EU and regrets that Great Britain activated the exit clause article 50. But what does such a collection look like that is so political?
It was “the big talk” at London Fashion Week last June: A newcomer-designer ventured to use Brexit as the subject of his collection and thus took a clear stance. Too risky? It was immediately discussed whether such a political statement should be so prominent or even exploited. However, the reactions were predominantly positive and high-end magazines such as GQ spoke of a “new era”.
A few months later, Daniel W. Fletcher’s collection was in stores at Liberty London for sale. But is his fashion really wearable? Hell yes!
There are many pieces of clothing, though long not all of them, equipped with the political statement “Stay”. However, the collection offers far more than just political statements and convinces with sweaters, jumpsuits and pants that are all inspired by the 90s. In terms of color, the collection remains within a darker palette as Fletcher completely stays away from loud colors – which might have to do with Brexit, which surely does not evokes any delightful emotions whatsoever. Nonetheless, the collection makes a far brighter impression than its colors might suggest. Without a doubt, Fletcher belongs to the most sought-after newcomer-designers in Great Britain and everyone is hoping that it will at least mean, “Stay” for him. Karim
