Women in Fashion – Bold, Brave, Badass
By Mia McManus
What do you think of when you hear the names Coco Chanel, Vivienne Westwood, Rei Kawakubo? Maybe shoes, purses, haute couture. What about Opal Tometi, Drew Barrymore, and Simone Biles? Maybe the Black Lives Matter movement, Charlie’s Angels, and the Olympics. Well, all of five of these women have one thing in common; according to InStyle Magazine, they are badass women. Recently, the publishing house released the theme for their August issue, and it is just that – “The Badass Women Issue.” The theme encapsulates and celebrates “women who show up, speak up and get things done.” The brand has integrated this into all of their platforms including digital articles, print issues, social media posts, and their YouTube channel.
Editor-in-Chief, Laura Brown, dedicated her editor’s letter to her good friend, Opal Tometi, the co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement and interviews cover star, Drew Barrymore, about how she has been able to remain true to herself throughout her many years of fame. These names just scrape the surface of the women, including healthcare professionals, highlighted in the issue and on InStyle.com.
Just one day later, Vogue Magazine released their August issue with cover star, Simone Biles. USA Gymnastics has been the center of scandal in the recent years, and the new release of the Netflix original documentary, Athlete A, brought the important matter to the surface yet again. In a time like this, Biles’s resilience shines. Similar to the InStyle issue, this Condé Nast publication focuses on standing up and speaking out. Biles has always been vocal about her experiences with sexual assault, as she feels as if it is not a duty, but an honor to be able to speak for the voiceless. She has always been unapologetically herself: “I’m not the next Usain Bolt or Michael Phelps. I’m the first Simone Biles.”
Women have been showing up, speaking up, and getting things done for centuries – many of whom have impacted the fashion industry, including Coco Chanel, Vivienne Westwood, and Rei Kawakubo.
Coco Chanel – Thanks to Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, the little black dress is a staple in every women’s closet. Her modern views and ideals throughout the 20th century, allowed her to influence the way women dress and the opportunities they see for themselves. Chanel paved her own path. She listened to her heart and made her own rules. She took charge of her life and famously said, “I decided who I wanted to be, and that is who I am.” The unwritten laws of society did not apply to her. Coco Chanel was truly ahead of her time.
Vivienne Westwood – Being one of the crucial members to shape the punk rock movement, Vivienne Westwood is a true rebel. She follows the beat of her own drum and does not think twice about it. She is unconventional, bold, and radiates confidence because according to her, “confidence is the best fashion accessory.”
Rei Kawakubo – Rei Kawakubo is the founder and creative director of Comme Des Garçons, a large Japanese-based luxury label that was the inspiration for the 2017 Met Gala. Even before launching her label, Rei Kawakubo did as she wanted, and now, decades later, she still brings that nonconformism into her designs. Kawakubo has a need for independence, and her looks show just that – freedom.
These women, and so many more, have shaped the history of the fashion industry and continue to make a difference, today – Miuccia Prada, Vera Wang, Carolina Herrera, Stella McCartney, Betsey Johnson just to name a few. The industry, and society as a whole, can learn endless amounts of knowledge from these strong, creative women – show up, speak up, and get things done. Be bold, be brave, be a badass.
Mentioned Links and Others to Check Out
Badass Women Tab, InStyle Magazine
InStyle Instagram
InStyle Cover Story
Vogue Instagram
Vogue Cover Story
Collections from Commes Des Garçons