Mara Hoffman Is The Latest Designer To Make A Political Statement At NYFW

The designer invited the founders of the Women’s March to open the show

It’s been a highly political week at NYFW, with several designers using the platform to voice their opinions. From Prabal Gurung’s slogan tees to Tommy Hilfiger sending models down the catwalk with bandanas tied around their wrists in a display of unity, the chorus of female empowerment and the importance of inclusion has never been louder. The latest designer to make a statement was Mara Hoffman who showed her A/W17 collection yesterday.

Before the show began, Hoffman invited the four founders of the Washington Women’s March to share opening remarks. Linda Sarsour, Bob Bland, Tamika Mallory and Carmen Perez stood before the fash pack and shared various sentiments including the March’s mission statement: “We stand together, recognising that defending the most marginalised among us is defending all of us. Hear our voices.” Sarsour also read a quote from Maya Angelou that said, “Love recognises no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination of full hope,” before adding, “We affirm our shared humanity. And pronounce our bold message of resistance and determination. We must create a society in which all women are free.” 

In the show notes Hoffman said her inspiration for the show was “the women whose songs are not yet sung, the allies, the named and the nameless. I dedicate this to the women who are constantly creating in the name of change.”

Once the show began, models and dancers paraded the new collection as Angelou’s Phenomenal Woman played in the background. You can watch the entire presentation here.

#GirlPower is well and truly in fashion this season.