HIV Turns the NYFW Runway Into a Stage for Strength and Awareness
New York fashion week is known for its bold fashion statements, but this year “HIV Unwrapped” turned heads with a bold, powerful and thought-provoking show, combining science and fashion to knock stigma sideways.
On Saturday, September 13, the HIV Unwrapped fashion show broke barriers amidst a backdrop of HIV memorial quilt panels. The show paired with emerging fashion designers from Parsons School of Design along with HIV-leading scientists. The runway was not only a fierce showcase of style but also a spotlight that shattered the Tabu around AIDS.
This event is especially important considering recent events such as the current administration suspending portions of funding from PEPFAR, the United States global HIV/AIDS program. Republicans within the house of representatives are aiming to cut $1.7 billion from domestic HIV prevention, treatment, and care programs.
At this point in history, it is crucial to use the art to portray thought provoking and meaningful works in order to have conversations that are needed. And this runway show did exactly that.
The runway show was put together by +life media and sponsored by Gilead Sciences with queer New York-based fashion house Tanner Fletcher at the helm. Founded by designers and real-life couple Tanner Richie and Fletcher Kassell, the couple served as the mentors to the emerging designers.
In an article for Queerty, the designers discuss the models and their addition to the show. “Our models represent just a fraction of the diverse community of people living with HIV, carrying these stories of strength, beauty, and pride. Others on the runway are not living with HIV—but you won’t know who is and who isn’t, and that’s the point.”
While diving into the runway looks, many designers drew inspiration from the molecular structure of antiretroviral therapies, deputing geometric patterns woven into the garments worn to represent scientific progress. Other artists also incorporated bold, red motifs that gave the iconic red AIDS ribbon a new twist.
Many well-known celebrities attended the event to show their support, including Broadway star Javier Munoz, known for his role in Hamilton and his longtime support and HIV activism, singer Milla Jam, contentment creator Art Bezukavenko, and broadway star Mark Mackillop, among many other supportive faces.
This fashion show sets the stage for future activists to be bold and make a mark. Remember to stay educated and always speak up.
Graphic courtesy of NYFW
