#010 - fashion in a fragile world
+ a very good album, and five things I've bought since becoming a mum...
In the aftermath of the recent U.S. election and inauguration, I’ve been watching closely how conversations and the general narrative is unfolding, within not only my own social media bubbles, but I’ve been taking a concerted effort to also look outside of these echo chambers. I want to really understand how people of all value-sets and backgrounds were feeling about the past few months. I honed in on my critical thinking skills, returned to long-form content and tried to read more complex things at length (even when I barely understood them). In fact, when I can barely understand a text, this is when I really lock in… I think it’s how I make my brain less closed off.
One thing struck me, that regardless of where I was looking, I could see a significant shift from the last time Trump took power to this time. There was a notable trend emerging among the more zeitgeist-y publications on my radar. These media outlets and brands were showcasing images of First Lady Melania Trump in high-fashion ensembles more than ever, paired with captions and comments echo-ing words such as ‘slay’ and ‘iconic’. There’s no jest around this narrative anymore… as there may have been during Trump’s last term in office, with Melania jokingly being encouraged to ‘blink twice if she’s ok’. These are outlets intentionally and earnestly cementing Melania as a fashion icon to watch. An interesting digression to say the least.
While these posts may seem innocuous at first, and while I may be seen as being ‘too fragile’ in my potential over-analysis of what might simply be seen as an Instagram post or an innocent unbiased vie for clicks, I can’t help but imagine how this online recital can inadvertently alienate marginalised groups who are already feeling so threatened by the current political climate. The emphasis on fashion and looks, and ‘slaying’ ffs, devoid completely of any context, trivialises the genuine fears and concerns of these already terrified communities.
Historically, the fashion industry has always grappled with its role in the political discourse. I still can’t hear the name Hugo Boss without connecting it with the Nazi rhetoric. More recently, during the 2017 inauguration, discussions arose about the implications of designers dressing political figures and the messages conveyed through such associations. Fast forward to 2025, and similiar debates persist. Melania Trump’s choice of attire by American designer Adam Lippes at the recent inauguration has reginited conversations about the intersection of fashion, politics, and social responsibility. These are topics that require a level of nuance and critical thinking that a simple ‘slay’ or ‘iconic’ simply just doesn’t quite cover, believe it or not. So brands and publications, take note.
My advice as a PR professional? Heck, even just as an empathetic and values-driven human being? Brands and media outlets should tread carefully. Leveraging political figures’ fashion choices solely for engagement can come across as tone-deaf, especially when the US is grappling with deep-seated issues affecting vulnerable populations, and while our own country stares down the barrel of a soon-to-come election announcement. It’s never been more imperative to recognise that every single post and promotion sends a message. Prioritising clicks over compassion not only undermines your integrity, but also could alienate a significant portion of your audience. If you’re happy with that — by all means, go forth and prosper! Strategic directions may have changed for your brand or business, or your political opinions may be bedded in education and honest belief in a certain political parties policies. If that’s the case, go off. Post your fave politicians outfits, but don’t undermine the absolute necessity of critical thinking and context. And my god, stand by your opinion if you’re going to put it out there.
Of course, I understand the allure of high engagement metrics, and I can be such a sucker for them myself. What I understand alongside this is how crucial it is to balance these needs with ethical considerations. Instead of capitalising on fashion moments without context, maybe opt to choose to highlight stories that promote inclusivity, empathy, support the communities that need it most, and foster genuine connections within the audience base that you’re striving for.
Across all facets of my life, I let empathy lead my strategies (occasionally to my detriment, and something I am working on). I hope that this election doesn’t see us move backwards in the way we approach brand directions, and I’m hoping we can continue to move beyond superficial engagement tactics that can be more damaging than positive, and focus on content that resonates more meaningfully with all members of our society.
I thought I would share a few other articles I read in the wake of the election results last year and since Trump’s inauguration, when I was trying to get out of my own echo chamber and sharpen my critical thinking skills. We’re so lucky that there are so many people in the world willing to put their critical thinking skills to good use and analysis, for us to simply consume and build upon. Let’s take advantage of that.
Kamala Harris couldn’t outrun inflation - The Atlantic
The way Harris lost will be her legacy - New York Times (op ed)
Four Heated Discussions I’ve Had with My White Husband Since November 8, 2016 - Substack
Trump won. So shop now. - Amy Odell
Why Republicans are winning the message war - Dan Pfeiffer
Kinda obsessed with reading…
November, December and January in books:
Evenings and Weekends by Oisin McKenna - 5/5, devoured this. If you’ve ever lived in London, this is a love letter to the city. I want to pick it back up this very moment and start it all over again.
Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty - 3/5, anything by Liane is always pretty solid for a page turner, and I really loved the premise of this one. It was a bit too long and the ending was all a bit rushed, but overall, I enjoyed having my nose in the pages.
Just For The Summer by Abbey Jimenez - 4/5, pure escapism.
Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe - 5/5, this very much lives up to the hype. I can’t remember the last time I devoured a book like this. It was so incredibly relevant and unique and I’d recommend it to anyone.
I actually read quite a few more than the above, but these are probably the only ones I would actually recommend… and I am time poor, so there you have it!
PS — if you’re a big reader, follow me on Goodreads here! I log every single book I read (as well as audiobooks I listen to… don’t @ me). I love seeing what other people read too so please add me so I can get even more inspo!
Kinda obsessed with purchasing…
Here are five things that I have bought since becoming a mum that now I couldn’t live without (not just for mums — just handy and awesome things… mostly). Practicality is now my favourite word.
Dosey pill box — technically I didn’t buy this one, as it was a gift from my sister-in-law for Christmas, but this has been a game changer for me. Anyone with ADHD would know the irony of having a disorder that requires you to take a pill every day and not forget / forget whether or not you actually took it that morning… this has made it so easy. Good for your vits / sups too!
A Kindle — ok, so I didn’t buy this since becoming a mum, but it is something I would highly recommend for any soon to be mums. I am a big hard copy gal. I envision my future to be like the little old woman who lives in a shoe, except I will be the little old woman who lives in a house stacked with books. But, if you’re an avid reader, a Kindle is way easier for keeping your reading alive post partum. When Pip was still sleeping in our room, this meant I could read with the light off (huge for my husband as well, as I didn’t need to keep the lamp on), and it’s so much easier to read while nursing or when you’re nap trapped. I also tend to read trashier books on my Kindle (and by trashier, I mean highly readable), which is great for brain space reasons.
Cotton On t-shirts — ok, I have been sleeping on Cotton On. They have such great oversized tees, boxer shorts and staples and the price cannnnnnot be beat.
Milla Mumma leakproof bras and singlets — ok this is definitely just for the mums, but I wish I had stocked up on so many more of these. They’re my go to for every single day and they’re so comfy / flattering that I will keep wearing them even after I am no longer breastfeeding.
A great set of cotton jim jams — yeah, I called them jim jams. Again, even if you’re not a mum, don’t underestimate the power of a good pair of matching pyjamas. Perfect to rot around in and still feel half human.
Kinda obsessed with listening…
Maribou State has a new album out, and I’m hitting repeat. In great alignment for Valentine’s month too!
A recent mood board…
This one is directly from my camera roll — a series of table scapes, flat lays and sunglasses that I’ve curated during travels and adventures over the years.
—
and with that, friends, I’ll see you next time.
if you’ve not yet subscribed for the newsletter, i’d love if you’d consider doing so. you can also forward it to a friend, share it on your IG story or text it to your family—whatever moves you to do to support me if you feel so inclined. growing this space is really important to me, and if you enjoy what you read here, it would mean a lot to me if you’d share it with a friend you think might also enjoy it.