CAN FASHION, POLITICS AND PRINT MIX?
I host a fortnightly debating session for my students, focusing on current conversations which are connected to our course - Fashion Communication & Promotion.
This week’s debate is inspired by the recent Kamala Harris American Vogue cover story.
These are the prompts I have put to my students, I’d love to know your thoughts…
Why do female politicians continue to engage with glossy magazines believing it is the only way to connect with niche audiences?
Although Harris broke from tradition by wearing her own clothes for the cover shoot (rather than being styled), history tells us the key take away will always be the length of their skirt, not their political perspective.
Should fashion publications like Vogue leave political narratives alone knowing it can be more harmful than good, or do they have a responsibility to break down age old sexist traditions embedded in our media?
From a critical stance, do we think that the media’s motivation is to strip these women away from their power even momentarily for the amusement of the reader?
In times of such political turmoil should magazines like Vogue be a place of escapism, rather than an extension of seriously social issues?
Gen Z, (also known as Gen Vis) rely on image based social platforms like Instagram, Tik Tok & Snapchat for their newsfeed and communication – can politicians exist in this landscape where first impressions = engagement, while still being taken seriously?
Where and how can politics connect with younger audiences, knowing the future is in their hands?