How women use fashion to empower themselves

The indecision we all have when opening the closet to find out what to wear is not about "pettiness," as many believe. It is, without many knowing it, the first step to have a successful day. I'm not saying that for a successful day you need to wear the iconic pieces of all the "main characters" of romantic comedies, the infamous "ball gown" with which everyone wants to have the first dance, the Manolo blahnik heels for that straight out of the cinema dance in the rain, Holly Goligtly's sunglasses or the typical Serena Van Der Woodsen scarf ... But I can advise, yes, that dressing the way you feel like really does wonders for women who are still struggling, even in todays' world, to have an equal role to men in our society.

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MODA: the female tool towards Empowerment

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Many women fear judgment, and sometimes their socioeconomic status and professional position makes them uncomfortable wearing a tailored piece because it might be too chic for the occasion, or a tracksuit because it is not appropriate, or a sheer dress because it is too revealing. I personally appreciate those who take the courageous step towards fighting the prejudice that is associated with today's "girl bosses". Fashion is an expression of You. Whether you are bolder, chic, simple, creative— it is not the style that defines you, but the the message you send with the clothes you wear. The message about what woman you want to be. In other words, the true "girl boss" empowers herself through fashion, manipulates it in her favor, in favor of every situation she faces and the causes that

she cares about.

Women around the world have used the power of fashion to support their causes, denounce what is not correct and face oppressive systems. An example of how politics and fashion came together to encourage women was the #Meetoo movement that enhanced the voices of sexual harassment victims. And since then, this message has echoed throughout the world, bringing strength to the numerous survivors of such cruel act. One of the main highlights of the infamous #MeToo movement was when celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey made red carpet appearances wearing all black, in support against injustices and bad practices directed at women in the industry. Although it was more recently that the voices of silenced victims were encouraged, fashion movements have long been said to act as political motions regarding feminism. It dates to the beginning of the 20th century, when many designers started using their influence to unveil this problem.

Fashion is a mirror of society

The corset is the most recollected piece, known to this day for tightening the waist with the purpose of thinning out women. And it had its end decreed by Paul Poiret, french designer of the early 20th century, who had as visual identity, Hellenic dresses of light fabrics and loose fit. This freedom is quickly associated with greater autonomy and female emancipation to date. I think it's important that we don't forget Coco Chanel. It's 1924, and this seamstress woman can open a sewing house facing a patriarchal system on another continent. In this decade, for the first time she presents women's clothing with trousers, pieces exclusive to men until then. Women started working in factories and ensure the survival of many economies, taking the place of man. The creation of Yves Saint Laurent's women's tuxedos also stimulated the conquest of important places for women, being a positive advance and a strong weapon for those who against the cruelty of the times social situation.

In addition to protecting and developing self-esteem, clothes began to convey messages of struggle and empowerment, such as the T-shirts emblazoned with the title of the book "We should all be feminists" by Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. These same t-shirts were produced by Dior, more specifically by Maria Grazia Chiuri, the first female designer of the brand previously run only by men in its 72 years of existence.

Fashion is a factor of change, and women today know that what they wear is not just clothes, but rather that very change, that togetherness that often stands out to international agents. The confidence that matters to change visions and mentalities can come from the invention of a piece of clothing, an accessory, a new cosmetic — used to enhance the feminine potential with a greater influence every day, however, with a long way to go when it comes to representativeness in the main decision-making centers.

PS: But never forget that clothes do not hide bad characters, nor do they hide the shine that comes from a luminous soul.

Words by Bárbara Pinto

Feature image shot by Douglas Kirkland in 1962

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