Women Fashion Power

 Today is International Women's Day, and it seems very apt that I visited the Design Museum's recent 'Women Fashion Power' exhibition, which discusses the history of women and how they have used fashion to evoke power. 

Beginning with Eve, the exhibition starts with a quick walk-through of major female influences, from Hatshepsut (the first female Pharaoh) to Hilary Clinton, there are plenty of well-dressed and admired women there to make the connection between the words women, fashion, and power seem obvious. Starting with the corsets and ending with a mannequins wearing dresses such as one of Lady Gaga's iconic ensembles, the exhibition covers everything.

 I found it really inspirational; we really can make a difference, not just in fashion but in people's way of thinking. Imagine what Amelia Jenks Bloomer's neighbours thought and said when she first marched out wearing her statement garment! A lot of the time, we don't even need to imagine what people thought at the time, because they were often pretty vocal about it.

 One of the most fascinating pieces I found was this satirical handkerchief which illustrated what might happen in 100 years if women received equal rights and suffrage. All the men are pictured out of work, whilst the women dominate in politics, science and warfare. What I find so interesting is how this was meant to make people not want to give women suffrage. Okay, so men shouldn't just sit about looking after the kids, but women shouldn't either! The women here look amazing- wearing trousers (another thing that was supposed to be a dig at feminists) and doing everything they set their minds to. Over the course of the exhibition, the different steps towards all of these roles women now fill are displayed, and in a way that it just as sleek and stylish as the designs on show. 

It was such a great time to see this exhibition: wearing my jeans and converses on International Women's Day, and definitely not being sucked in or stifled by social conventions or a corset! 

Walking in the footsteps of fashion's iconic eras..