“Hear our voice” was how Mara Hoffman referred to her fall show, which was not just another runway. Some of the Women’s March on Washington co-chairs, including Bob Bland, Tamika D. Mallory, Carmen Perez and Linda Sarsour, recited quotes from Angela Davis, Audre Lorde and Maya Angelou. Hoffman noted that the intention behind the show’s theme was to celebrate the diversity, beauty and strength of women here and everywhere. It was also a direct reflection of the unity, love, resistance and persistence that we have witnessed recently with the women’s marches that have taken place around the world.
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There have been numerous attempts by designers to make political statements this season, as was expected — Sunday night, Prabal Gurung moved some at his show to tears with an emotive finale — and Hoffman’s approach was just as touching. A series of dancers performed in Hoffman’s clothes as her girls walked around them in what felt like comfort fashion, clothes that felt organic, purposeful. “This is very much [about] sustainability,” Hoffman said backstage. “I used organic materials, heavy organic cotton weaves, organic thick-waled corduroy and reversible tencel.” Fashion-wise, she kept it simple, focusing on stylish everyday items — quilted coats and pants, tunic dresses, onesies, paper bag skirts and pants, slips and wrap shirts.
“This is a chance to show that there can be a cross-section of fashion, politics and activism in the name of social justice and women’s empowerment,” she added. “These are necessary things for all people.”