Design Museum - Women Fashion Power

"I think it's very important to have your own style and your own take on things, otherwise it's just clothes". A quote that summed up the whole ideal of clothing and fashion. Theres no point in being a 'sheep' in a society that seems to be so competitive - This doesn't mean that you have to be a 'shepherd', but what are you trying to achieve by being a follower? Clothing and fashion serve more of a purpose than just something to put on when you go out, so why not utilise it's full potential to show you are your own person?

This exhibition was very factual, but in some places seemed a bit repetitive in terms of the women they chose to represent. Yes, it succeeded in showing the inspirational women throughout time, from the Egyptian Queen, Hapshetsut to Vivienne Westwood, but I thought some of the 'power women' of pop culture were used as tools to appeal to women who supported women's power struggle.

Considered as the most beautiful women of her time.
Although the fame was too much - it didn't end well for her...

Iconic, but a puppet - The puppeteer = Media

If you don't know who Twiggy is,
you must live under a rock!

Another successful model
- Naomi Campbell

For example Twiggy, a  60's model (when women sexual choices became their own), was a popular face of power fashion, such as the mini skirt and suits. However, I feel Twiggy's role as a model made her seem less powerful because she was used to persuade young people to want to wear clothes like this. In other words she was a pawn on the chessboard of popularity culture. On the other hand I believe she was an inspirational woman by becoming the pinnacle of swinging sixties fashion. The hard work of a woman is shown with the rewards of success! Even now, Twiggy still celebrated for her iconic attributes within the fashion world - A household name. 

I think power within fashion has been adapted in many ways. Hapshetsut was seen as feminine as a Queen, but adopted the image of a man when she became King.  It makes you think why looking like a man makes someone seem like a more successful ruler. Women in ancient Egypt were seen equal to men anyway, so why should it matter?? Did Hapshetsut really need to be depicted in this way? At least it shows that women can do something as well as their male counterparts, its just society giving a self fulfilling prophecy. 

The Iron Lady

- Like marmite, you either liked her or hated her. She fought harder because of the preconceived notion of being a woman

As time has passed, women have become closer in equality to men, so will there be a need to dress powerfully to compete with others? I believe there will be, because even though we have become more or less equal with the opposite gender, there will always be something that is more powerful, thus we will either mimic that power over us, or play against their fears to have the upper hand. Power in fashion can be seen as a socially constructed; even in nature animals try to look bigger to intimidate their opponents. Hence the reason for power dressing. 

Dress big! Dress for power!

Camila Batmanghelidjh's
dress sense

I think there is a way to show your power within society, through being individual, because conforming is like saying that you're weak to influences around you. Camila batmanghelidjh is an example of how to show one's personality and individualism. Her clothing is loud and eye-catching, so even though she probably gets second glances from people, I respect her for being her own person.