100 Years of fashion activism: from the Women´s suffrage Movement to the US 2020 Elections

Abstract

The following investigation presents a theoretical framework regarding the concept of fashion activism, a historical overview of its presence during the social and political movements of the past 100 years, and an analysis of corporate activism in the fashion industry. The cases studied in this article were originated mainly in the United States and the United Kingdom, though all of them acquired global character. Social media has become a key element for the transformation of fashion activism throughout the past century, magnifying the visibility of the movements and increasing the participation of public figures like brands and designers. The paper concludes with the fundamental role of fashion in the public opinion and leaves with unanswered questions regarding its true impact and commitment for social issues.