102 WHAT'S THE STORY IN WOMEN WE TRUST
Between
OBJECT and Subject The Image of Women in Fashion
Following Trump and #MeToo, new feminism is en vogue. Catwalks act as a stage for real statements. For a long time, fashion wasn’t political at all - today it is. The new feminine self-perception does not renounce femininity, as is seen in the depiction of powerful women with sex appeal. At the same time, there are fierce debates within the industry and advertising campaigns - as in the case of Saint Laurent - are banned when women are depicted as too submissive. What is sexy and self-determined? What is supposedly imposed? Opinions differ widely about how strong women should behave and the self-image of women is far from self-evident. Fashion is looking for its own take on the situation. It comes out fighting and emphasises sex appeal. But it also hides behind bulky oversize items, wide men’s trousers, and unisex designs. What has to change in fashion and the industry in general in order to ensure that women finally make the transition from object to subject? Text: Petrina Engelke, Ina Köhler, Martina Müllner-Seybold, Kay Alexander Plonka, Nicoletta Schaper. Photos: Interviewees, Reid Beels, Jennifer Fey
318 style in progress
