Fashion has and always will be Political
The Silent Power of Art and Fashion
When Priyanka Gandhi walked into Parliament carrying the Palestine Bag, followed by the Bangladeshi Bag, she reminded us of the quiet power of art and fashion. Just like Gandhi’s khadi became a symbol of resistance, these carry stories of identity and resilience. Her choice wasn’t just a stylistic statement — it was a strong reminder of how art and fashion can speak volumes, even in the midst of chaos, without a single word being uttered.
Throughout India’s history, art and fashion have been silent yet powerful vehicles of expression, bridging the gap between personal identity and collective movements. From the anti-colonial messages embedded in Swadeshi movement to iconic garments worn by national leaders, these cultural elements have played a vital role in shaping narratives.
Symbols of Resistance and Identity in Indian History
Mahatma Gandhi’s khadi movement is perhaps the most well-known example of fashion used as a political tool. By promoting hand-spun cotton, Gandhi turned clothing into a weapon of economic defiance against British colonialism. Wearing khadi became a unifying act of resistance, signaling self-reliance and a rejection of foreign goods. Similarly, Jawaharlal Nehru’s Nehru jacket and Indira Gandhi’s symbolic sarees on global stages projected an image of India rooted in tradition yet modern in outlook.
Even in everyday life, fashion holds the power to connect individuals to their roots. A simple gamcha worn in northern India or a lungi in the south reflects pride in regional identities, creating a sense of belonging. These aren’t just items of clothing; they are cultural markers that preserve heritage.
Fashion in Modern Movements
In contemporary times, art and fashion continue to be tools of protest and solidarity. During the farmers’ protests in India, the yellow and green scarves worn by protesters, signifying harvest and mustard fields while waving national and farmer union flags. It became a symbol of their unity and cause.
Bollywood, too, has played a role in reviving and celebrating traditional art and fashion. Movies like Lagaan glorified khadi, while Swades showcased the beauty of rural craftsmanship and its deep connection to India’s identity. Such representations not only bring these elements back into mainstream fashion but also remind us of their historical and cultural significance.
A Voice in a Chaos
Indian Parliament being dominated by noise, art proved to be an effective tool to amplify voices and make statements. Priyanka Gandhi’s choice to carry these bags in Parliament drew attention to pressing global issues, cutting through the noise of parliamentary debates where words often fail to convey the message.
Other Movements Where Fashion and Art Spoke Loudly
Black Panthers in the US
The Black Panther Party for Self-Defense (BPP) was founded in October 1966 in Oakland, California was a revolutionary organization with an ideology of Black nationalism, socialism, and armed self-defense, particularly against police brutality.
The Black Panthers' iconic black berets and leather jackets were more than just fashion—they symbolized empowerment and resistance against racial injustice.
An afro tucked into a black beret, sunglasses over the eyes, a black leather jacket ornamented with pinback buttons, and a gun strapped across the body with a fist in the air. This is the uniform of the Black Panther Party.
Know more:
More than a Fashion Statement: The Symbolism behind the Black Panther Party Uniform
A sign of revolution: Why the black power beret made a comeback in 2020
The Revolutionary Aesthetics of the Black Panther Party & Its Impact on Fashion Today
Suffragettes’ White Dresses
The Suffragette movement was a women’s rights campaign in the late 19th and early 20th centuries that fought for women’s right to vote. The suffragette movement used white dresses with purple and green accents to represent purity, dignity, and hope in their fight for women’s voting rights.
Suffragette white has become a powerful symbol in modern politics, gaining attention during the 2016 election when white dressing surged, especially among female politicians. “Once Hillary Clinton adopted it,” historian Rabinovitch-Fox says, “it became a way of connecting past struggles with current struggles.”
Kamala Harris has also worn suffragette white on key occasions, including the 2012 Democratic National Convention, evoking the power of women in politics.
Know more:
The colour has a 110-year history as a protest tool
Suffrage Stories: Suffragettes And Their Dress
How Wearing White Became a Symbol of Female Solidarity
Madiba Shirts
Nelson Mandela, affectionately known as “Madiba,” wore colorful printed shirts during his presidency (1994 to 1999) as a statement of inclusivity, breaking the mold of Western leadership attire.
The shirts quickly became a fashion statement, representing not only Mandela’s personal style but also the spirit of a new, democratic South Africa. They symbolized the hope and resilience of a nation that had endured decades of racial segregation and conflict.
Know more:
The full story of Madiba’s shirt: An item that changed history of S. Africa
The Inspirational Style of a Revolutionary Statesman and World Leader
Preserving and Participating in Cultural Expression
The significance of art and fashion lies not only in their beauty but also in their ability to carry forward stories, movements, and identities. Whether it’s the khadi spun during India’s freedom struggle or a vibrant bag that makes a statement in Parliament, these items are more than just objects; they are carriers of meaning and history.
Fashion and art aren’t just about aesthetics; they are about who we are and what we stand for.
In a world where voices are often silenced, let’s remember that even the simplest of choices can carry the loudest of messages.
