- Kristopher Fraser
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Private Policy has become well known for their street style sensibilities,
but for spring/summer 2020 the brand decided to get political. Let us note
that it’s June, meaning it’s Pride Month, celebrating LGBT equality and the
activists who fought and continue to fight for LGBT rights. Private Policy
was inspired by The Stonewall Riots, which sparked the modern gay rights
movement in the United States, and took place in New York City.
Private Policy’s collection was inspired by unity in a time where America
is seen as “divided,” “torn,” and “polarized.” The collection took a mostly
minimalist approach to color with the brand’s signature checkerboard
pattern featured in black and white for both menswear and womenswear
pieces. The clothes wore like a rebellious street style uniform for going
against the grain, fitting as the designers said they were inspired by
Stonewall activists Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera. Utilitarian
outerwear pieces were one of the statements of this collection with details
like feathers and oversized pockets.
Other details included durable outdoor fabrics and harness bags that
allowed wearers to be ready for a protest at anytime. Rebellion, but make
it fashion. The collection was a reminder that the oppressed today need to
unify and stand up against the inequalities, even if it is the authority,
unity is also about consciousness and progression through discussion and
debating with opponents, and a good outfit can accompany that as well. It
was a reminder that yes, fashion is not just for dressing up, it is
fiercely political as well.
The show ended with a rainbow dress representative of the pride flag and
LGBT equality. The dress was quite simply put, pretty. It let us know that
we don’t need to act like soldiers or dress like them to protest for equal
rights. Change has no one outfit.
photos: courtesy of Agentry PR
