This lesbian clothing line is as chic as it is powerful
Wearing a political sentiment is nothing new. But when done the right way, it's not only powerful but powerfully stylish.
Take for instance this collaboration between LA-based studio and community center Otherwild, and Instagram handle Herstory. The collaboration, appropriately called Otherwild x Herstory, includes four different apparel items, taking inspiration from pro-lesbian photographs throughout history and curated on the Instagram feed.
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With a "Dyke" pin, a "Gay Power" denim cap, a tank that reads "How dare you assume I'm straight," and a "Lesbian Culture" sweatshirt, the brand is sending a clear message of empowerment.
Historically, lesbian fashion hasn't had as much of an impact as gay fashion. Whereas gay menswear had a specific "queer" sense of style that has mixed feminine pieces with masculine appeal, lesbian fashion has been less distinct. It faces stereotypes and adjectives like "butch," a pejorative term that references a dowdy masculine aesthetic.
But this collaboration is proving the stereotype incorrect, and also lends context to lesbian fashion history.
"We want to continue to honor the messages created and voiced by the lesbians and gays of the '60s, '70s and '80s by making a collection of wears for the community today," said Kelly Rakowski, who started Herstory's Instagram account.
Rakowski said she and Otherwild's owner Rachel Berks came together organically. After the success of the shirt, "The Future is Female," Rakowski said she reached out to the brand to see if Berks would be interested in collaborating based on the images she'd curated throughout the years.
The slogan was originally featured on Herstory's Instagram account, a design made for Labyris Books, the first women's bookstore in New York City.
"It has lasted through the decades and has reemerged as an empowering statement for all, as female-identified bodies and rights remain under attack," said Berks.
Ultimately, Berks said that the collaboration line is all about raising awareness and products people "feel proud to wear."
"It's important not to lose the word 'lesbian' from our vocabulary," said Rokowski. "It's incredibly powerful to simply wear the phrase, 'Lesbian Culture' across your chest."
Ten percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Lesbian Herstory Archives in Park Slope, Brooklyn, with a new collaboration coming out for Spring 2016.
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David joined the Mashable team as its first fashion hire. He's written for the Wall Street Journal, Elle, GQ, Harper's Bazaar, Esquire, Details, Nylon, Refinery29, Fashionista, and covered the men's market at Women's Wear Daily. David has appeared on E!, Vh1, the Style network, and was a stylist at Capitol records.
