Gloria Steinem's Empowering Life Lives On In Fashion
Our take
The passing of Gloria Steinem marks the end of an era, but the reverberations of her life’s work – and its impact on fashion – will undoubtedly continue to inspire. It’s more than just a sentimental nod to a cultural icon; it reflects a deeper shift in how brands and designers understand and engage with feminism. The article highlighting designers like Prabal Gurung and Michael Kors drawing inspiration from Steinem’s activism underscores a growing recognition that fashion isn’t solely about aesthetics; it’s a powerful platform for social commentary and a reflection of evolving cultural values. We’ve seen this shift firsthand, with trends like the quiet luxury aesthetic – a focus on understated elegance and enduring quality – resonating strongly with a consumer base increasingly attuned to conscious consumption. Consider the thoughtful curation presented in I'm a Fashion Editor and Just Got Back From Oaxaca—Here's Everything I Packed, where functionality and cultural appreciation intertwine – a sensibility that aligns with Steinem’s grounded, impactful approach to life. Even the current surge in sporty, everyday pieces, as showcased in New at Adidas: 10 Sporty Fall Pieces New Yorkers Will Embrace This Season, speaks to a desire for practicality and empowerment, a subtle echo of Steinem’s tireless advocacy for women’s rights and equality.
The fashion industry’s embrace of Steinem’s legacy isn’t a new phenomenon, but its increasing prominence feels particularly significant now. Historically, feminist themes in fashion were often relegated to niche collections or overtly political statements. Today, however, we're witnessing a more nuanced integration – a subtle acknowledgment of female strength and resilience woven into the fabric of mainstream design. This shift parallels a broader cultural conversation about intersectionality and the complexities of modern feminism. It's no longer enough to simply label a garment as "feminist"; designers are increasingly expected to demonstrate a genuine understanding of the issues and a commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. The power of visual storytelling is also key. The images associated with Steinem, her unwavering gaze and effortless style, transcend fleeting trends, embodying a timeless elegance and quiet confidence. It’s a visual language that resonates deeply, offering a powerful alternative to the often-performative nature of contemporary celebrity culture.
Moreover, the way Gen Z and Alpha are approaching fashion, as evidenced by I've Watched Over 200 "Back to School" TikTok Vids—12 Pieces Gen Z And Alpha Are Wearing Right Now, reflects a desire for self-expression and authenticity that aligns with Steinem’s own ethos. These generations are less interested in blindly following trends and more focused on curating wardrobes that reflect their individual values and identities. They are discerning consumers, acutely aware of the social and environmental impact of their purchasing decisions. This generation understands that fashion can be a tool for self-discovery and social change, a sentiment that Steinem championed throughout her life. The celebration of her life within the fashion sphere therefore feels less like a memorial and more like a validation of this evolving perspective.
Looking ahead, it will be fascinating to observe how designers continue to translate Steinem’s legacy into tangible expressions of style and purpose. Will we see a greater emphasis on timeless designs, sustainable materials, and ethical production practices? Will fashion become an even more powerful platform for amplifying marginalized voices and advocating for social justice? The integration of activism and aesthetics is a complex and ongoing process, but the enduring influence of Gloria Steinem suggests that the future of fashion is inextricably linked to a deeper commitment to inclusivity, empowerment, and meaningful change. The question remains: how can the industry move beyond mere inspiration and actively contribute to the creation of a more equitable and sustainable world?
Gloria Steinem, the 92-year-old trailblazing women’s rights activist, passed away at her New York City home on Wednesday. She “passed away peacefully...surrounded by some of the many who loved her,” read the announcement posted to her Instagram. “Gloria’s near-century on earth were years well-lived, and she continued working for equality until the very end.”
The caption also shared an excerpt from Steinem’s forthcoming memoir, An Unexpected Life: “I have now lived for more than fifty years in this brownstone, in rooms that have witnessed lives before mine, and will know others after I am gone.”
In her lifetime, Steinem left her mark on so many — whether through her advocacy work, her nine books, inspiring journalism, and, of course, her unmistakable signature style. As a result, Steinem also left an impression on many fashion designers.
Public figures with a distinct look have always been sources of creative inspiration, from the recently departed Dolly Parton to George Michael, Lee Radziwill, and even Marie Antoinette. Steinem’s uniform featured long-sleeved tops or sweaters with flared trousers, always layered with aviator sunglasses and a wide belt (she favored leather and Southwestern Concho styles). Fringed and leather jackets, beaded necklaces, and printed silk scarves were also go-to pieces in her rotation, making for a distinct ensemble that could be recognized in any room.
That defining look and deep understanding of social and political issues, particularly for women and the Black and LGBTQIA+ communities, made Steinem someone who designers admired and championed. Her memoir, My Life On The Road, inspired Prabal Gurung’s Spring 2017 collection, as well as his following Fall 2017 and Spring 2018 lines. The latter runway show also marked her first Fashion Week appearance. Later on, Steinem inspired Dan Levy’s Fall 2022 collection for DL Eyewear, which naturally included a pair of aviators. Of course, many will remember the belted monochrome looks in Michael Kors’ Fall 2023 collection, all based on Steinem’s outfits from the 70s.
Relationships were core to Steinem’s fashion presence. Kors knew the activist for nearly 40 years and deemed her a “game changer.” She was a lifelong friend of Diane von Furstenberg, who honored Steinem with the Lifetime Leadership Award for her work in women’s leadership at the 2014 DVF Awards. The duo also attended events like the MAKERS Conference together (and wore matching outfits at its 2017 edition).
Steinem even extended her reach to collaborations, which raised funds for her namesake Gloria’s Foundation. In 2013, she designed beaded bracelets for women-led marketplace Maiden Nation. Jeweler Jill Platner teamed up with Steinem for two jewelry launches in 2022 and 2024. This year, she partnered with What Goes Around Comes Around to auction vintage pieces from her own wardrobe. The Foundation even collaborated with Peanuts’ new “Snoopy in Style” exhibit, which features two looks on Snoopy dolls inspired by Steinem’s ‘70s outfits.
Steinem once said that “Dying seems less sad than having lived too little.” As fashion and history have proven, she lived to the fullest and left an impact that will be honored for years to come.
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