“Strike a Pose”! These famous words of the singer Madonna are the call to action when art, fashion and urban nightlife meet.

So, my question today is “Are fashion shows political?”

According to CNN, “The modern fashion show dates back to the 1860s, when pioneering English fashion designer Charles Frederick Worth used live models instead of mannequins to present his creations in Paris.” They didn’t move.

A hundred years later, the shows became much livelier as models worked to show their personalities on the catwalk. Eventually we moved into what we have today – as fashion shows feature entire productions complete with lights, sound effects, video presentations and live music.

And who you invite to watch is also critical to a show’s success. There is a whole culture built around the catwalk.

ShowHaus, a platform that aims to bring business to independent designers explains that fashion shows have existed to attract industry decision makers, retailers and media. Everything is done in hopes of marketing products to consumers.

The platform also shares with us: “Just as we’ve normalized attending maker events, farmers markets and choosing locally owned over corporate chain stores, we can also incorporate runway shows into our social calendars to further revolutionize the way we shop for clothes.”

Hmmm… Revolution is a political word. Industry change is on the horizon.

Colorado is truly part of the fashion industry. In Denver — since spring 2018, Colorado has hosted Denver Fashion Week.

The city dedicates an entire week to Denver’s fashion industry and influencers. Industry insiders from across the country attend to see the trends.

It’s actually Denver Fashion Week right now — until Sunday.

But Colorado Springs wants to be on this stage, too. Recently, Fox21 and Venu hosted an event – ​​Fashion With A Purpose.

The entire production was hosted by Bootbarn. As stated on the exhibit’s website, “The event featured fashion from pre-owned and responsibly sourced boutique retailers while highlighting how your fashion choices can impact the underground world of labor and human trafficking.”

The website Fashion With A Purpose encouraged readers to explore Good On You, touting them as “the world’s leading source for fashion and beauty ratings.” The site goes on to tell us, “… people can discover the best fashion and cosmetics from around the world, while learning everything you need to know about making better choices.”

To be honest, I had never thought about labor and trafficking in relation to fashion. Maybe not you either.

Without virtue signaling, these themes of choice and change were quietly woven into the event. The unusual fashion show gave its attendees an opportunity to consider their clothing and accessory purchases in light of global relationships. Now it’s political!

Participants were gently encouraged to support local non-profit organizations that help rehabilitate victims of human trafficking. All to a low-key silent auction and social hour with cabaret-style music played on a grand piano by Living Local host Nova.

The show featured a beautiful custom catwalk and pulsating — exciting music. The enthusiastic crowd cheered on the “pillars of the community” who walked the runway in style with 12 local retailers/designers willing to support this cause.

The collaboration brought together a wide range of organizations, leaders and participants who agreed to come to an agreement. Not a politically adversarial moment of the evening.

Who doesn’t want that?

It seems a trend has started. All over the Pikes Peak region, fashion shows are popping up – big and small.

But why?

Fashion industry veteran Erik Rosete told Fashionista an online fashion magazine, “it’s been years in the making” and bolstered by “the pandemic that made everyone so fused.”

He continues his thought and says that. “This made us realize that people really craved more experiences and to be out in the world and create social experiences involving fashion, art and culture.”

I agree and will build on that idea. People want social experiences that don’t involve political preaching. Fashion shows provide the chance to cheer someone on, enjoy the company of others in an atmosphere of art, music and excitement.

I hope this political trend continues.

Rachel Stovall is an event manager, entertainer and community advocate.

Rachel Stovall is an event manager, entertainer and community advocate.