Fashion and Power - EcoPower

By Jessica Noone

While on the metro, I noticed the woman across from me and her fur-imitation shirt. This showcases power in a number of ways. Fur is seen as a sign of power, as only the rich can afford it and it is very rare to come across. However, this woman is responding to the current movement toward eco-friendliness and animal rights by wearing a shirt which has nothing to do with the actual fur of animals. In this way, she is showcasing her personal power to choose how her clothing is made, while at the same time, calling upon subconscious images of animal fur and the connotations that go along with it.

This woman is creating a commentary on the power of the Global Chic and a hope for ethical fashion practices in the future.