An article by Andromeda Renia-Karoni
Whether you choose to engage or distance yourself from ongoing political occurrences, they do not cease to exist. In a narrow perspective or understanding, fashion and politics can appear to be unrelated, but fashion is deeply and quite inherently political. Political statements and opinions can be made and showcased through fashion–this article will examine what it means to wear your politics. Using your voice to advocate for injustice is never pointless or a waste. Every voice makes a difference, each resistance adds to change and can motivate others to speak up as well. In this article we are going to look at some traditional Palestinian fashionwear, and at celebrities who showcased their support for Palestine through fashion.
Cultural Palestinian fashion pieces
One of or arguably the most known Palestinian clothing piece is the Keffiyeh, which has become a recognizable sign of solidarity with Palestine. It is a square shaped cotton headdress with a distinctive chequered pattern. The black and white variant is the traditional Palestinian one, but other color variations are present as well. It is often accessorized or incorporated in shirts and dresses.
The Keffiyeh has come to symbolize the Palestinian struggle for self-determination, justice, and freedom. In its design, there are three main motifs: the olive leaves pattern, emblemizing perseverance, strength, and resilience, the fishnet pattern, representing the Palestinian fishers and the people’s connection to the Mediterranean, and the blood pattern, representing trade routes.
There are various ways to style a Keffiyeh; it is worn as a headwrap, around the waist, as a shemagh, a neck scarf, a shawl, or with creative alterations. For instance, Palestinian-Dutch model and Palestinian activist Bella Hadid was seen wearing a Keffiyeh midi-dress made by design duo Michael and Hushi in Cannes (May, 2024).
Bella Hadid in her keffiyeh-inspired dress by Michael and Hushi during the 77th Cannes Film Festival on May 23, 2024.
The Tatreez is the traditional art of embroidery passed down generations of Palestinian women. UNESCO added the Palestinian embroidery to its heritage list in 2021, to immortalize the Palestinian cultural heritage. In different regions of Palestine unique styles of the Tatreez have arisen, showcasing various local experiences through the art of creation. In the Tatreez each pattern has a distinct meaning, or stories behind it. These range from nature-inspired motifs to geometric shapes. The Tatreez is also incorporated in the Palestinian Thobe, a traditional loose-fitting dress worn by Palestinian women that is commonly adorned with embroidery.
The watermelon has another subtle, increasingly relevant symbol of Palestinian solidarity. Though the symbol is linked to how a watermelon contains the colours of the Palestinian flag, the relationship goes deeper than that. In 1967 following the Naksa caused by Israel, Palestinians were prohibited to carry the Palestinian flag. This censorship also included photographs of the flag and the use of its colours. By still doing so, Palestinian citizens would face arrest. During the First Intifada (1987-1993), the watermelon slice became a way to show Palestinian national pride and protest against the occupation they are facing. By doing so, various Palestinians were still detained for holding up watermelon slices, and art depicting watermelon slices was confiscated.
Although this is less of a stylistic symbol, it is important to note a few things about the national flower of Palestine–the anemone coronaria, better known as the poppy flower. It is a connection between Palestinian life and land, symbolizing its resistance. The poppy is a fragile but strong flower, able to grow in various environments. The flower stands for durability and strength, as well as being a representation for past and current bloodshed in Palestine.
modern palestinian fashion
Turning the focus to Palestine solidarity in the media, there is the “Artists4Ceasefire”pin–adorned by various celebrities like Billie Eilish, Finneas, the music group Boygenius, Mahershala Ali, Ava Duvernay, and Mark Ruffalo. The enamel pin represents a solidarity campaign for Gaza said to support Palestinians and advocate for a ceasefire in Gaza.
(Left to right) Boygenius (Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus, Julien Baker), Billie Eilish, Mark Ruffalo, Ramy Youssef.
Esther Ouwehand, the party leader of the PvdD, and her bold support for Palestine through her outfits made headlines in the Netherlands and Al Jazeera. She faced lots of criticism for her clothing, but it didn’t dull her outspoken solidarity or morality. She most notably wore a watermelon blouse to a debate, and a blouse of the Palestinian flag to the House of Representatives.
Esther Ouwehand.
Indian actress Kani Kusruti is another example of a public figure showing Palestinian solidarity through her style, attending her premiere at a film festival with a watermelon-slice-shaped purse.
Kani Kusruti.
The most spoken of and potent sign of Palestinian solidarity in fashion or pop-culture so far is potentially Cate Blanchett’s appearance at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival in a black, green and white gown, leaving the carpet to fill in the red of the Palestinian flag. For weeks, images of her look were all over the media in debate of whether this was done intentionally. Cate Blanchett is one of the celebrities that signed an open letter to former USA president Joe Biden asking for a ceasefire. Up until today this is one of the most unique and creative ways to show support for Palestine.
Cate Blanchett on the 2024 Cannes Film Festival Red Carpet.
Wearing your politics is an amazing way to spread awareness and spark conversations on the topic. You will definitely receive questions about your choice in clothing, whether the symbol is small or big. But not only can fashion inform people, it can also unite people and show solidarity for a chosen cause. Especially in these hard and confusing times, I want to remind readers that your voice matters now more than ever. Do not hesitate to make use of it, however subtle, it always matters and can make an impact.
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