American Fashion as it Evolves: How Gen Z is influencing an industry for the better

Lily Souffrant

"American fashion is a celebration of exuberance, joy, and creativity. That hasn't changed…What it has become in 2021 is a patchwork, reflecting the world we're all living in, as seen through many different lenses." - Anna Wintour.

Decades from now people will be able to recognize the 2020s fashion not only for its flamboyance and glitz, but through the blatant expression of the current political and ecological climates. Since COVID-19, BLM, and the sustainability movement have been trailblazing the news outlet headlines for the past two years, the fashion industry is reevaluating its role as an art form as something much more fused with current events and politics, giving creatives a space to exhibit their outlooks concerning these occurrences.

In terms of the current political atmosphere of today, Americans are more openly transparent about their views than ever before and are using fashion statements to make their voices heard. For instance, this year’s Met Gala’s theme, “A Lexicon of American Fashion” is a quintessential example of the influence this newly established societal structure had on the fashion industry. Many celebrities implemented phrases with their designer garments to address current American politics. Model and actress, Cara Delevingne, had “Peg the Patriarchy” on her white vest designed by Dior’s Maria Grazia Chiuri to address gender equity issues in the United States. Additionally, Democratic socialist congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez put the phrase “Tax the Rich” on the back of her white gown designed by Brother Vellies to express her concerns about class division problems in America.

Fashion is a reflection of one’s mind. When someone assembles an outfit it discloses how they think and want to be perceived. In everyday life, you’re nearly bound to see someone wearing Black Lives Matter merchandise or the infamous “Make America Great Again” red baseball cap. The impact of the conglomeration of COVID-19 and BLM has pushed indifference aside and caused people to reevaluate their beliefs. It seems as now there is no choice other than to be outspoken about your political views. Today, fashion is beginning to tell strangers more and more about one another, even to the extent of disclosing who you voted for in the last election.

Furthermore, sustainability, especially in the fashion industry, have become a large concern for the undaunted new generation that is Gen Z. With the power of social media by their side, the children of Gen X are more inclined to be vocal about issues that matter. The youth is fed up with the climate change dilemma and the abuse of laborers. Young people are thrifting and intentionally buying vegan clothing more than ever to better our planet. One particular Gen Z celebrity represented the movement at the 2021 Met Gala. Singer Billie Eilish wore a dashing ball gown designed by Oscar De La Renta. However, Eilish only agreed to represent the designer brand if they would cease all manufacturing of real fur products, and so they did. De La Renta’s seemingly groundbreaking choice is just one example of many fashion mainstays putting on a type of performance in order to appease younger generations.

Along with sustainability, inclusivity has also been a buzzing topic throughout the new generation and social media. Generation Z is tired of the Eurocentric beauty standard and wants to see models and celebrities that genuinely symbolize the intersectionality of American people. Black Americans, immigrants, and the LGBTQIA+ community are constantly being underrepresented in the media and are fighting for their spots at the table. Aspects of identity such as race, sex, gender, religion, and etc. have infinite combinations that do not have nearly enough representation in all industries, let alone the fashion one, and just questions the extent to which relativity plays in our efforts of moving towards total inclusivity. Almost quite literally, the 2021 Met Gala reserved a table specifically for black designers such as Kenneth Nicholason, Edvin Thompson, and Jason Rembert to display their talent on the red carpet. Moreover, YouTube beauty influencer, Nikkie De Jager, better known as NikkieTutorials, recreated a look inspired by Marsha P. Johnson, a Stonewall activist, to honor the transgender community at the event. Evidently, the fashion industry has been making intentional and calculated strides towards achieving that total inclusivity of the infinite combinations of intersections. Essentially, societal norms and fashion are synonymous in the way they both trend. As society moves towards this new stage of enlightenment and comfortability, that will also be reflected through fashion.