THE SUFFRAGETTES

The Suffragette Movement was highly acknowledged for its powerful standpoint for femininity and women’s rights. The female activists of the 20th century fought long and hard to receive voting eligibilities, adopting to strategies of art, debate, propaganda, and attack in a ‘deeds not words’ approach (Museum of London,2021).

Their visual identity was also significant in their success, using fashion as a mode of provocative and cohesive communication. The Suffragettes resolved to wearing shades of white (typically associated with chastity and innocence) to present an image of an ‘advancing army’ as well as a perceived subversion of its connotations. Despite being categorised as a stripped back shade, the white outfits appealed visually to the black and white prints which featured upon front page covers, thus allowing all focus to be on them.

The Suffragette’s approach to fashion highlighted a strong unity and comradeship with the women involved, yet I believe there was a strategic technique to this manner too- “They sought to effect change not by challenging contemporary fashion and ideals of femininity, but by conforming to them” (Blackman, 2015). Whilst research on protest fashion often accentuates a defiance to conventional dress norms through styles which stimulate astonishment, it ought to be recognised that the Suffragettes actually exercised their polished style and elegance to diminish judgment, and to, rather, align themselves with what was orthodox within this period.

I want to take this finding forward with me towards my FMP, in understanding that protest dressing doesn’t always have to be outlandish and shocking to create a voice, it’s the messaging and strategical communication which ultimately emphasises frustrations. In comparing the Sans Culottes and the Suffragettes, I can discern a definitive difference in their approaches to protest fashion and curating exasperation through garments; it’ll be interesting to observe which avenue relates to Generation Alpha most today.