Snooze, I could not be more bored of watching the hype around the 2018 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. I’m not hating on the models or event crew that work hard on that show, I’m just over brands using unrealistically thin women in uncomfortable underwear to shame us into buying their products. It’s 2018 and we want some representation for all types of women – stretch marks, tattoos, disabilities … (the list is endless).
If you’re up for not being made to feel shit by a brand that’s focused on male-dominated ideals of beauty, playing the same record since 1995, here are some alternatives.
1. Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty Lingerie Show
Erm, could Rihanna get any better? The wonder woman has not only created a beauty brand aimed at non-white women, but she’s also revealed her lingerie brand Savage X Fenty in September using diverse models (gasp!). Rihanna’s show included models at New York Fashion Week that were athletic, plus-size, thin and even pregnant! The underwear line focuses on loving your body and female empowerment, whilst also being sexy and cool. I highly advise checking out the video below as it was just a really cool show.
2. Eco Fashion Week Australia (EFWA)
The fashion industry is an exciting space right now, with more demand for ethical and eco-friendly products than ever before. Eco Fashion Week Australia is in its second year, and this year has expanded to both Perth and Queensland. The show celebrates innovative and forward-thinking ideas for the fashion industry, whilst providing a platform for collaboration. Well done to eco-fashion designer Zuhal Kuvan-Mills for starting this incredible event!
‘Eco Fashion Week Australia will collaborate with the designers, artists, activists, community, media, businesses and educational programs, as well as the local Governments, to raise awareness for environmentally conscious fashion in Australia with global level. The initiative she has taken to implement Australia’s first and very own Eco fashion celebration strike a chord with designers, fashionistas and media alike.’
3. Pacific Runway Fashion Show
Now in its seventh year, Pacific Runway is a world-renowned runway showcasing Maori and Pacific creatives. Founded by Jannike Seiuli in response to a “lack of exposure and therefore a need for an inclusive platform that represented Pacific island creatives in Australia“. The event this year just took place in Sydney’s Carriageworks, with some absolutely incredible designers.
4. Jeremy Scott’s New York Fashion Week Show 2018
After the very public trial of Brett Kavanaugh (in which he was accused of multiple accounts of sexual assault and found not guilty and has subsequently taken a seat in the US Supreme Court), it was easy to feel distraught with the world. Thankfully, there are people out there that use their platform for good and one of these is Jeremy Scott. The fashion designer this year wore a t-shirt with the words “Tell your senator NO with Kavanaugh”. His bright and bold designs were also aimed at gender fluidity, he recently told Daily Journal Online that his designs “came about when he started looking at old photos of himself from the ’90s, when he was experimenting with ideas of gender fluidity.”
5. Runway of Dreams
Fashion designer Mindy Scheier decided that there was a lack of accessible fashion for people with disabilities, so set up Runway of Dream Foundation in 2014. This year, Runway of Dreams presented on the eve of New York Fashion Week and featured 30 models with disabilities, all wearing adapted clothing from designer brands. The more representation the better, with the incredible news that Nike signed up their first pro-athlete with cerebral palsy, Justin Gallegos.
‘Founded on the basis that clothing is a basic human need, the Runway of Dreams Foundation develops, delivers and supports charitable initiatives to broaden the reach of adaptive clothing and promote the differently-abled community in the fashion industry.’
Recommending reading:
- 18 Empowering Songs About Body Positivity, Body Image, Confidence and Self-Love
- Eco-Ableism: What It Is, Why It Matters and How It Affects Disabled People
- EWP Podcast | Jackie Ruddock, Founder and CEO of The Social Outfit
- Get Educated With These Free Sustainable Fashion and Ethical Business Online Courses
- 4 Must-See Short Online Films on The Topic of Fast Fashion
Inspired to shop responsibly? Keen to vote with your dollars? Check out our resources page for a comprehensive list of ethical and sustainable brands.
Title image credit: YouTube
