Money, Fashion, and the Aesthetics of Class Politics
Apr 2, 2025
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Véronique Hyland, Features director at Elle and author of Dress Code, dives into fashion's ties with politics, gender, and class. She discusses how aesthetics can drive labor movements and influence consumer behavior. Examining brands like Brandy Melville, she highlights the contradictions between fashion and economic ideologies. Véronique also sheds light on trends like 'underconsumption,' exploring how the wealthy shape fashion choices and the societal obsession with appearing affluent. Prepare for a thought-provoking conversation on style and class!
Fashion intertwines with class politics, showcasing how aesthetics can signify deeper societal messages and identity complexity.
The representation of labor movements through visual styles enhances credibility and engages public support in an attention-driven economy.
Current consumption trends highlight economic inequality, questioning the sustainability of underconsumption amidst the growing wealth divide.
Deep dives
Setting Up Recurring Investments
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Fashion and Societal Values
Fashion is not merely about aesthetics but is deeply intertwined with societal values and class politics. It reflects the complexities of identity, class hierarchy, and status, suggesting that the way one dresses can signify not just personal style but also broader economic and social messages. Discussions about fashion often reveal underlying contradictions; for instance, while some fashion trends may appear superficial, they can also highlight deeper societal issues regarding consumption and the desire for social acceptance. This intersection of aesthetics and substantial societal commentary invites a reevaluation of how we perceive fashion’s role in everyday life.
Personal Reflections on Appearance
A personal narrative highlights the impact of mental health on one's desire to present themselves well, showcasing how external appearance can influence internal feelings of confidence. During a challenging phase, the speaker noticed a longing for a sense of control and self-assurance, prompting them to put effort into their appearance again. This shift created a tension between the desire to reject societal beauty standards and the realization that taking pride in one's appearance can sometimes serve as a form of self-care. It emphasizes that while cultivating inner worth is important, there is also merit in how we choose to present ourselves externally.
Politics and Aesthetics in Labor Movements
The aesthetic representation of labor movements plays a vital role in garnering public support and recognition, suggesting that style can enhance credibility and appeal. Historical and contemporary labor leaders have leveraged visual styles to communicate their messages effectively, bridging the divide between activism and cultural relevance. This understanding counters the notion that aesthetics diminish the seriousness of labor issues, proposing instead that a well-crafted image can resonate powerfully in the current attention economy. A multidisciplinary approach, which combines visuals with substantive activism, is essential to attracting and retaining public engagement.
Sophisticated Consumption Trends
The trend of underconsumption in the context of economic inequality and shifting cultural values invites scrutiny about the future of consumer habits. As wealth disparity grows, a significant portion of consumption is concentrated among the top income earners, raising questions about the validity of underconsumption as a sustainable movement rather than a fleeting trend. This recognition of necessity versus choice in lifestyle reflects a broader societal shift, where many people are compelled to adapt to limited budgets, often viewing it as a lifestyle improvement rather than mere survival. The juxtaposition of luxury consumption and the push for frugality signifies a cultural tension that may shape consumer behaviors moving forward.
When I met Véronique Hyland, author of the bestselling book Dress Code and ELLE’s fashion features director,about how fashion intersects with politics, gender, and class (and the person who coined the term ‘millennial pink’!), I wanted to talk to her about:
👊🏼 The role of aesthetics in labor movement-building and persuasion campaigns, from tradwife influencers to union leaders
🎽 Why one-size-fits-all flammable crop top brand Brandy Melville also sells literature about libertarian economic policy
💰 What current income and consumption trends—like that almost 50% of all consumption is driven by the top 10% of earners—might portend for fashion trends like “underconsumption”
🥂 And finally, how the time-honored fascination with mimicking “upper class” dress reveals the underlying assumption that the only way to have (or look like you have) a nice life, is to be rich
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