"Femme Forever"

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The basic top got a new lease of life. Continuing alongside the slogan t-shirt trend, there is always one in particular that is not only a fashion statement, but a huge political statement. Yes I am referring to the 'feminist' slogan tee. Specifically on sale in the outrageously popular Topshop stores. Topshop had added their own spin on the feminist tee only at £15 (So don't worry if you can't afford Dior's 'We should all be feminists £490 t-shirt). Created by Tee & Cake retail band. The typical plain coloured t-shirt was transformed last season into the bold statement of 'femme forever'. I see this as the refined example of the slogan tee (considering was being sported by the majority of young girls). Of course it is also the fact the caption is highlighted in a fierce red that draws to my attention. Slogan tee's were the casual, cool staple in season so no wonder it was a particular high street favourite.

So what happens when t-shirts do the talking? Firstly it became an instant street style craze. International Women's day was upon us (8th March 2017) so it was the perfect time to release your free spirit. Whether you are a feminist or a dreamer, you are able to capture the eyes of the people with an empowering message. People have long made a political and a social statement by the choice of their clothing.

Dior, a basic white t-shirt with the words "We Should all be Feminists") costs $710. Very pricey indeed however I may add from a statement, they were donating a reasonable amount made from sales to Rihanna's charity the Clara Lionel Foundation. Yes, of course the pricing of the white t-shirt is high but the pricing is less relevant when the product is the talk of social media. Rihanna pictured herself in one, currently owning 1.7 million likes. Looking at this in a new context, Rihanna is a multi - millionaire and a self made female artist sporting a 'feminist' slogan t-shirt. Letting the world know and her 20 something year old fans living in the mass movement.

"We should all be feminists" taken from a line of a Nigerian feminist, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

So why did Adichie approve of the Dior t-shirt? "The goal of feminism is to make itself redundant, to get there it needs to be a mass movement."

However with knowing the context of the quote, the t-shirt worn on the white model on the catwalk feels futile and apolitical. It may seem a little blurred.

So are Topshop, a target market of 16-25 year old girls interpreting a muted description of the slogan and a blurred out vision of the context.

Do we in fact actually need more alarming slogans that discuss the issues currently baiting females in the present day?

Christian Dior, Spring 2017, Ready-to-wear Fashion