Politics and Fashion Collide: A Crazy Look at the MAGA Fashion Show
Published: Sep 23, 2024 | 2 minutes read
MAGA-style fashion exhibition causes online stir, as internet users confirm it's no prank.
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Get ready to be shook because this year's politics took a slightly unexpected turn with the MAGA (Make America Great Again) themed fashion show. The bizarre spectacle was held at an old warehouse in Ronkonkoma, New York, on September 17, 2024, during New York Fashion Week. Dubbed as the America First Patriotic Designer Showcase, it attracted approximately 100 spectators to a suburban office park on Long Island to witness a parade of MAGA-inspired fashion, makeup, and performances strutting down the runway.
The show's highlights included bedazzled "Make America Great Again" hats, sequined jackets embroidered with slogans such as "MAGA" and "Swifties for Trump" (remember Taylor Swift endorsing Kamala Harris?), and red-white-and-blue striped gowns etched with "2024, America's Comeback!" on their skirts. Given the pulsating colors of the American flag, the show leaned heavily toward patriotic shades. Also, there were more direct nods to Trump, with quotes like "Fight, Fight, Fight" and gowns covered in "2024 America's Comeback" phrases.
MAGA needs no introduction as a far-right political ideology that grabbed the spotlight during Donald Trump's successful 2016 presidential campaign. Proponents champion the notion that America needs to return to its former glory—a time often characterized by rampant racism, limited family structure options, and a patriarchy where men enjoyed exemption from sexual assault allegations.
Unsurprisingly, social media struggled to decipher the purpose of the event, initially assuming a satirical take on the matter. But when it became evident that the enthusiasts bedazzled in hotpants emblazoned with "Make America Sparkle Again" were indeed earnest in their intentions, the internet collectively raised an eyebrow.
The show took place just two days following another attempt on the ex-president's life and the eve of his rally at the Nassau Coliseum on Long Island. In other words, the New York MAGA community was raring to go, ready to shell out $375 to $500 on MAGA jackets.
According to The New York Times, the event underscored the fashionable evolution of a political movement that has always held style at its heart. From firearm-themed accessories, golden clutches branded "we the people," and a skirt depicting John Trumbull's painting, Declaration of Independence, MAGA has consistently voiced its political message through clothing. Needless to say, every political movement has always exploited clothing to express their beliefs. The iconic pussy hats from the Women's March, or the berets and leather jackets from the Black Panther movement are striking examples of this.
Republican congress candidate Michael Zumbluskas attended the showcase to campaign ahead of the November election. Zumbluskas targeted the "Tax the Rich" dress worn by Representative AOC at the 2021 Met Gala as evidence of the fashion industry's Democratic leanings. Addressing the journalists present, he questioned, "You think you can wear this at the Met Gala?"
In conclusion, this bizarre exhibition of zealous political fandom may seem stranger than the norm, but is it really that astonishing in the grand scheme of things? And would you wear that bedazzled novelty bandeau top covered in fake dollar bills and adorned with Donald Trump's face? That entirely depends on your personal preference.
