Design Exchange Politics of Fashion/Fashion of Politics Exhibition Review

I've been terribly sick for the past several days, and was finally a little better on Sunday to leave my apartment and enjoy a day of art therapy, which included a visit to Design Exchange's latest exhibit Politics of Fashion/Fashion of Politics.

Politics of Fashion/Fashion of Politics Exhibit at Design Exchange in Toronto, Culture, jeanne beker, jeremy laing, clothing, exhibition, history, the purple scarf, melanie.ps, ontario, canada, art, designers, canadian, diesel A/W, 2014

Diesel A/W 2014

Politics of Fashion/Fashion of Politics was staged by Canadian Fashion Designer Jeremy Laing, and guest curated by Canadian Fashion Icon Jeanne Beker, who I had the privilege of meeting at the first Spark Sessions.

Every Woman Is A Riot, 2013 by Yannick Fornacciari and FEME Flower Crown, 2010

PETA Paraphernalia

Throughout history, fashion and clothing has always been a reflection of society and of the times. As a Historic Costume major, I learned so much about past and ancient societies just be studying their clothing. For the past several decades now, designers and activists have embraced the power of expressing their ideology through fashion. Over 200 of the world's most politically charged fashion pieces spanning six decades are on display in this latest exhibit; from Vivienne Westwood's 1977 "God Save The Queen" T-shirt to item's from Jeremy Scott's 2013 Arab Spring and Right To Bear Arms Collections.

L: Mesh Sleeve Bomber Jacket, A/W 2014; Mesh-Pocket Track Pants, A/W 2014; Remade Coat A/W 2013; Remade Artote A/W 2013 by Christopher Raeburn R: Parachute Bridal Gown, 2002 by Jeremy Laing

L-R: Climate Revolution Cape, 2013; Tartan Blanket Scarf, 2014; Climate Revolution Sweater, 2013; Climate Revolution Oversize T-shirt, 2013; Camo Jeans, 2012; Climate Revolution Square Tee, 2013; Pirate Clomper Boots, 2010 by Vivienne Westwood

L-R: Safety Pin Queen Muslin, 1977; Parachute Shirt, 1978; Bondage Trousers, 1977, Bondage Boots, 1977; No Future Gloves, 1977; Tartan Bandage Suit, 1976 by Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren, Seditionaires

Fashion of Politics/Fashion of Politics is divided into five different sections: ethics and activism; war and peace; consumption and consumerism; campaign and power dressing; and gender and sexuality.

L-R: Arab Spring Look 22, 2013; Arab Spring Look 16, 2013 by Jeremy Scott

L-R: White Gown with Smoke Detail, 2010; Gold Metal Bolero, 2010; Black Fur Coat with Feathers, 2010 by Alexander McQueen

I loved this exhibit! I always understood the power of fashion and expressing yourself in how you dress, and it's amazing to see the world wide impact that fashion has had on modern day society. I highly recommend visiting Politics of Fashion/Fashion of Politics before it ends January 25, 2015.