With the 2024 presidential election just weeks away, fashion designers are making a powerful statement by using clothing as a platform for political expression. From top designers partnering with campaigns to emerging labels creating limited edition collections, the industry is mobilizing voters in style. This article highlights the best election-themed fashion collaborations, showcasing how brands are encouraging engagement and donating proceeds to various voting rights organizations.
Sudama Prasad, a 63-year-old social activist and Communist Party of India-Marxist Leninist (CPI-ML) leader, has been elected to the Lok Sabha, becoming the first CPI-ML MP in 35 years. Hailing from a humble background, Prasad has spent decades fighting for the rights of Dalits, landless poor, and farmers in Bihar’s Bhojpur district. He defeated the incumbent BJP MP, R.K. Singh, by a margin of almost 60,000 votes. Prasad’s victory marks a significant milestone for the Left Front alliance in Bihar, which won two of the five seats allocated to it. Prasad’s journey from a small-town sweet shop owner to a Member of Parliament is a testament to his unwavering commitment to social change and the empowerment of marginalized communities.
Gil Duldulao, born in Kalihi, Hawai’i, began his dance journey as a shy 17-year-old with a passion for hip-hop. Leaving his home for the EDGE Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles, he embarked on a transformative career that led him to become a creative visionary and close friend of Janet Jackson. Through their collaboration, they have created powerful narratives that address social issues and resonate deeply with audiences. Despite facing industry pressures and personal losses, Duldulao continues to find inspiration in architecture and movement, rediscovering the joy of dance at the forefront of his creative endeavors.
Jennifer Beals, renowned for her versatile performances in film and television, boasts a net worth of $8 million. Her breakthrough role as Alex Owens in the iconic 1983 film ‘Flashdance’ catapulted her to fame and earned her a Golden Globe nomination. This role epitomized the 1980s spirit of individualism and had a profound impact on fashion and pop culture, popularizing dancewear as streetwear. Beals’ subsequent career has been marked by challenging and innovative roles, including her portrayal of Bette Porter on the groundbreaking series ‘The L Word’ and its sequel. Through her performances, she has explored complex themes of sexuality, identity, and feminism, earning critical acclaim for her nuanced portrayal of LGBTQ+ issues. Beyond acting, Beals is an active social and environmental advocate, lending her platform to human rights and animal welfare causes. Her commitment to social justice often influences her choice of roles, as evident in her involvement in projects addressing critical contemporary issues.
The upcoming documentary ‘Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line’ has been selected as the opening gala title at the Sydney Film Festival. The film chronicles the 45-year journey of the legendary Australian rock band Midnight Oil, known for their anthems and activism. Written and directed by Paul Clarke, the documentary explores the band’s influence on Australian culture and politics, highlighting their outspoken stance on environmental and racial issues.
William Strickland, an esteemed civil rights advocate and supporter of the Black Power movement, passed away at the age of 87. He actively participated in the struggle for equal rights alongside prominent figures such as Malcolm X. Strickland’s legacy encompasses his contributions to the Black Power movement, where he promoted racial pride and self-determination. He also collaborated with Malcolm X, James Baldwin, and others in initiatives addressing police brutality and social injustices. Strickland’s impact extended beyond activism as he taught political science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst for four decades and played a pivotal role in directing the W.E.B. Du Bois Papers. Additionally, he shared his insights on racism and capitalism through his writings and served as a consultant for documentaries like ‘Eyes on the Prize.’
An election official in Kerala’s Kasaragod constituency has been suspended for allegedly supporting ‘double voting’ practices. The suspension of M. Ravi, a booth level officer (BLO) at Cheemeni, was initiated by District Collector K. Inbasekar on April 23 following a complaint implicating him in discrepancies in the voters’ list. The complaint, backed by audio evidence, claimed that Mr. Ravi dismissed concerns about double voting and suggested that ‘the Left should receive two votes.’ The investigation was prompted by a complaint lodged with the Collector’s office by M.V. Shilparaj, a youth recognized for his social work, who raised an alarm after discovering double votes for a voter on the list.
Queer music festivals have a rich history, serving as spaces for liberation, community building, and artistic expression for the LGBTQIA+ community. From the groundbreaking Michigan Women’s Music Festival to the vibrant events of today, these festivals have paved the way for greater representation and visibility, blending music and queerness into a powerful force for social change.
