Say what you like about the world of fashion, you can't deny that it's ever behind on the important social and political issues. Such matters are reflected in the upsurge of sustainable clothing, and also with collections created in support of Pride Month and the LGBTQ+ community.
Photo Credit: Unsplash
A number of different brands and fashion houses have launched rainbow themed everyday-wear to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month, and they're everything we could ask for.
Victoria Beckham brought out a limited edition Pride T-shirt for the second time, featuring the rainbow coloured slogan "Listen Without Prejudice" after the 1990 George Michael album. 25% of all sales from the £95 top are pledged to the Albert Kennedy Trust, which is a charity in aid of LGBTQ+ youth homelessness.
George Michael was a huge supporter of LGBTQ+ rights when he was alive, having come out as gay himself in 1998, so the use of his iconic second solo album by VB feels like both a perfect statement in support of Pride Month and a wonderful tribute.
Meanwhile, Ralph Lauren's country club aesthetic has been given a rainbow makeover with sweatshirts, polo shirts, caps and knitwear bearing the legend "Together" complete with brightly hued renditions of the trademark polo player symbol.
"In the wake of injustice, in the fight for equality, in Pride we stand together", the website states. "Sending a message of solidarity to the world because we are stronger together when we are united."
Ralph Lauren have partnered with a number of LGBTQ+ charities over the last three decades including Stonewall Community Foundation, the Hetrick-Martin Institute, amfAR, AIDS Walk New York, God’s Love We Deliver, and the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
But perhaps the most inspirational Pride collection of this year is Levi's Pride Liberation, with myriad customisation options (because EVERYONE is unique) and jackets, jumpsuits, T-shirts and sports bras bearing not just the gay Pride flag, but the trans flag as well, plus slogans with he/him, she/her and they/them (and "we") pronouns because - in the words of the brand - "to use someone’s pronouns is to see how they move through the world".
Alongside this stunning collection, Levi's make another donation to OutRight Action International; a human rights organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ people.
But you don't have to stop your fashionable support of Pride on the outside, Calvin Klein have got your underwear covered too (well, so does Levi's, actually, but that ruins my smooth transition). From jock straps in all the colours of the rainbow to a one-shoulder bralette perfect for unveiling once you hit the bars after the parade, there's undies to suit everyone. Plus, the theme also spreads to their apparel: sliders, bags, hoodies, bucket hats and loungewear.
CK boast partnerships with LGBTQ+ organisations such as The Trevor Project, the Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund and the National Pulse Memorial and Museum among others.
With Victoria Beckham taking on a stance that works for allies, Ralph Lauren putting out messages of unity and Levi's embracing gender identity, the range of ideas explored within the LGBTQ+ community shows the depth of thinking that has developed over time around such issues.
Fashion is no longer about the token rainbow flag, it's about exploring the individual areas of significance that we need to think about in order to better understand and accept one other for who we are.
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