Emily Ratajkowski, Stormy Daniels and the not-so-subtle art of sartorial support

Emily Ratajkowski, Stormy Daniels, and the Not-So-Subtle Art of Sartorial Support: A Deep Dive into the Power of Fashion as Political Statement

In today’s politically charged world, fashion has emerged as a powerful tool for making statements and expressing support for various causes. Two prominent figures who have harnessed the power of fashion in this way are models Emily Ratajkowski and Stormy Daniels. Both women have used their public appearances to send bold messages, often with a subtle nod to their political beliefs.

Emily Ratajkowski:

Ratajkowski, known for her modeling and acting careers, made headlines when she appeared at the Met Gala in a red Prada dress adorned with the word “America” on the back. The bold statement came just days after President Trump’s controversial immigration policy was implemented, which led many to interpret her dress as a political protest.

Stormy Daniels:

For Stormy Daniels, her fashion choices have been a recurring theme throughout her public feud with President Trump. One of her most notable appearances was at the Adult Video News Awards in 2018, where she wore a “Make America Great Again” hat and jacket, but with the words “BULLS–T” emblazoned on them. Daniels’ choice to wear a pro-Trump outfit while adding her own spin was an effective way of highlighting her skepticism towards the president and his administration.

Fashion as a Political Tool

The power of fashion as a political statement should not be underestimated. By using clothing and accessories to convey messages, individuals can participate in larger discussions and raise awareness for important issues. Moreover, the use of fashion in this way can be particularly effective when it challenges societal norms or adds a new perspective to existing debates.

A Continuing Trend

As the world continues to grapple with political turmoil, it is likely that we will see more instances of fashion being used as a powerful tool for expressing support and making statements. As Emily Ratajkowski and Stormy Daniels have demonstrated, sometimes the most impactful messages can be delivered through the simplest of means – a bold dress or a reimagined political slogan.

I. Introduction

Background and Connection

Emily Ratajkowski and Stormy Daniels are two women who have made headlines in recent years not just for their stunning looks, but also for their involvement in high-profile political scandals. Emily Ratajkowski, an American model and actress, rose to prominence when she appeared naked in Robin Thicke’s music video for “Blurred Lines.” However, her political consciousness was awakened during the 2016 presidential campaign when she joined the Women’s March in Washington D.C., marking the beginning of her public activism.

Shared Experience and Thesis Statement

On the other hand, Stormy Daniels, a porn star, came into the limelight due to her alleged affair with then-presidential nominee Donald Trump. Despite threats and intimidation, Daniels bravely spoke out about the encounter, leading to a series of events that resulted in a political storm.

Political Scandals

Both women have experienced significant public attention due to their involvement in high-profile political scandals. While Ratajkowski’s activism was sparked by the presidential campaign, Daniels found herself at the center of a storm when she revealed her alleged affair with Trump.

Leveraging Fashion for Political Statements

Despite the challenges they faced, both women have used their platform to make political statements and assert their agency in the public sphere. In this essay, we will explore how fashion has played a pivotal role in their political journeys.

Emily Ratajkowski: From Model to Activist

Background on Emily Ratajkowski’s Career as a Model and Actress

Emily Ratajkowski, born on June 7, 1991, is an American model, actress, and activist. She first gained attention in the media for her striking looks and unique image, often described as a blend of innocence and sexuality. Ratajkowski began modeling at a young age, signing with Ford Models when she was just 14 years old. By her late teens, she had graced the covers of magazines like Cosmopolitan, GQ, and Rolling Stone. In addition to modeling, she also appeared in various music videos and commercials.

The “Robin Thicke Incident” at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards

One pivotal moment in Ratajkowski’s career came during her appearance at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards. She performed in Robin Thicke’s controversial “Blurred Lines” music video, which featured the singer and several scantily clad women dancing suggestively. During the live performance at the awards show, Ratajkowski danced provocatively next to Thicke and Pharrell Williams. The performance sparked a heated debate about consent, sexualization of women in the media, and objectification.

Explanation of how this event catalyzed her activism and interest in feminist issues

The controversy surrounding “Blurred Lines” made Ratajkowski realize the impact that her image and body could have on societal discussions about feminism, consent, and body positivity. She began to pay closer attention to feminist issues and soon started using her platform to make political statements.

Ratajkowski’s use of fashion to make political statements

Ratajkowski quickly became known for using her fashion choices as a means to challenge societal norms and start conversations around feminism and body positivity. Her bold outfits often included revealing clothing, such as boob-baring tops, which she wore with confidence and defiance. In 2019, at the Met Gala, she wore a red “Feminist” T-shirt, further solidifying her reputation as a vocal advocate for women’s rights.

I Stormy Daniels: From Porn Star to Political Figure

Stormy Daniels, born Stephanie Clifford in 1979, rose to prominence as a porn star and became a household name following her involvement in a scandal surrounding then-presidential candidate Donald Trump. In 2006, Daniels appeared in “Independent Study #31,” a pornographic film that brought her initial attention within the industry. Her career continued to flourish, with appearances in numerous adult films and magazines.

The Scandal that Brought Her into the Public Eye

In January 2018, just days before the presidential election, news broke that Trump’s personal attorney Michael Cohen had paid Daniels $130,000 in hush money to keep her from discussing an alleged sexual encounter with Trump. The revelation sparked intense media scrutiny and public interest. Daniels went on to file a lawsuit against Trump and Cohen, alleging defamation.

Empowerment Through Fashion: Taking Control of Her Narrative

Throughout her transition into a political figure, Daniels harnessed the power of fashion to assert her agency in the public discourse. One of her most iconic statements was the “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) hat she wore during an interview with 60 Minutes in March 2018. By donning the hat, Daniels not only challenged Trump’s image but also highlighted her ability to manipulate it for her own purposes.

Another notable instance of Stormy Daniels using fashion as a form of empowerment was when she wore a red dress at the 2018 Adult Video News Awards. This choice was deliberate, as she knew it would generate buzz and attention, further solidifying her presence in the public eye.

The Intersection of Fashion, Politics, and Feminism

Fashion has long been a powerful tool for self-expression and identity construction. In recent years, it has also emerged as a significant force in political discourse and feminist activism.

Political Expression through Fashion

Female figures have harnessed the power of fashion to make bold political statements throughout history. For instance, Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani activist for female education and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate, has used her sartorial choices to assert her identity and defy the Taliban’s oppressive dress code.

Feminist Activism and Fashion

Another notable example is Rihanna, the Barbadian singer and entrepreneur. She has used her red carpet appearances to make statements about various social issues, including gun control, police brutality, and women’s rights.

Rihanna’s Political Fashion Moments

One of Rihanna’s most memorable political fashion statements was her Met Gala 2017 outfit, which consisted of a silk-chiffon cape embroidered with the words “Blessed,” “Good,” and “Anna Wintour Did My Hair.” This outfit was a nod to the Pope’s papal robes, but also a commentary on the role of fashion as an art form and the influence of Anna Wintour in the industry.

Emma Watson, Ratajkowski, and Daniels

More recently, actresses like Emma Watson, Emily Ratajkowski, and Ashley Judd have used their fashion choices to challenge gender norms and ignite public conversation about feminist issues.

Ratajkowski and Daniels’ Political Fashion Statements

One of the most prominent examples of this trend is Emily Ratajkowski, who wore a “Feminist But Not Feminazi” t-shirt to the 2016 Met Gala. This simple yet powerful statement sparked a wave of public discourse about the meaning and implications of feminism. Similarly, Ashley Judd wore a white gown with the words “Time’s Up” embroidered on it to the 2018 Golden Globes, symbolizing her solidarity with the Time’s Up movement against sexual harassment and assault.

The Impact of Social Media

Social media has played a crucial role in amplifying the messages of these fashion-forward feminist activists. Their bold statements have gone viral, sparking public conversation and debate about the intersections of fashion, politics, and feminism. This digital discourse has not only helped to raise awareness about these issues but also provided a platform for marginalized voices to be heard.

Conclusion

In conclusion, fashion has become an increasingly significant tool in political expression and feminist activism. Female figures like Malala Yousafzai, Rihanna, and Emma Watson have used their sartorial choices to challenge gender norms, assert their identities, and ignite public discourse about feminist issues. The power of fashion as a political statement is further amplified by the reach and impact of social media. As we move forward, it will be interesting to see how fashion continues to shape and be shaped by the political landscape and feminist discourse.