LGBTQ+ communities have existed as early as 2400 BCE—according to a New York Times article, some believed that Khnumhotep and Niankhkhnum of Ancient Egypt were the first-ever recorded same-sex couple in human history. But how did Pride month come about? In a quick summary, on the 28th of June, 1969, a riot broke out at Stonewall Inn (a gay club in New York City) in protest of gay rights. The incident sparked the gay rights movement in the United States, and now, every year, the month of June is devoted to commemorating this monumental event at Stonewall and giving voice to all LGBTQ+ communities across the world.
We can always count on fashion as a tool to show our solidarity or simply take pride in who we are. With all seven colours of the rainbow symbolising this important movement, not only do these Pride-themed collections add colour and joy to our wardrobe, they also signify the progression in spreading love and acceptance.
From bright and bold rainbow-hued pieces to subtler designs, here are some of the Pride-themed fashion collections out there:
Versace
A collaboration between Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation and Versace to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion, the Pride Month collection features an array of fashionable pieces that’ll let you support the movement in style. A portion of sales will be donated to Gaga’s charitable foundation, allying LGBTQ+ communities.
Balenciaga
Rather than opting for the traditional rainbow colours, Balenciaga launched a hoodie that only comes in pink, black, and dark blue with the text “gay” and “pride” emblazoned at the centre. To further support the LGBTQ+ communities, Balenciaga has also partnered up with The Trevor Project, a non-profit organisation devoted to preventing suicide among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth.
Coach
Coach gave its signature monogram a colourful twist for Pride Month, but that’s not just it—the straps are in rainbow shades too. This year, the luxury brand is donating to four different LGBTQ+ charities that provide a supportive environment to their communities: Hetrick-Martin Institute, Albert Kennedy Trust, Point Foundation, and CenterLink Community.
J.Crew
Your purchases don’t necessarily have to remain exclusive to Pride Month, and this J.Crew collection can be worn all year round. With a text stating “love first” repeated in 11 different colours down the chest, the message is clear and simple. 50 per cent of sales from this piece will be going to the PFLAG charity to continue to support LGBTQ+ communities.
Kate Spade New York
Aside from a roomy tote, Kate Spade New York has also launched rainbow coloured masks that don’t only represent its ideologies of optimism, joy, and self-expression—they also fall in line with staying safe during the pandemic. The brand is donating 20 per cent of net profits from the sale of its collection to the Trevor Project.
Ugg
Who can say no to these cheer-inducing flatforms? This pair from Ugg’s Pride collection is made from sheepskin and the Uggplush wool blend. For every pair sold on its website, the brand will be donating US$25 to GLAAD, a media monitoring organisation that’s founded as a protest against defamatory coverage of LGBT people.
Savage X Fenty
You can also support Pride Month in the most intimate guises, as Savage x Fenty has released a collection of innerwear for all genders. This Unlined Demi Bra features a sheer mesh fabric with rainbows and the text “Pride” embroidered across, and it’s the perfect combination of sexy and fun. The lingerie label is also making a flat donation of US$250,000 from the sales of the capsule line to five different organisations supporting LGBTQ+ communities: Clara Lionel Foundation, The Audrey Lorde Project, The Caribbean Equality Project, INC, GLAAD, and Trans Latino@Coalition & Trans Wellness Center.
Ralph Lauren
Another staple that can be worn to show support all year round, this unisex T-shirt from Ralph Lauren features a rainbow pony motif with the word “together” printed at the front. The American fashion house will be donating to the Stonewall Community Foundation to aid the international network of LGBTQ+ organisations.
Michael Kors
For Pride Month, Michael Kors is donating 100 per cent of the proceeds from their Pride T-shirts to OutRight Action International, an organisation devoted to improving the lives of people who are discriminated against or abused on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
Dr. Martens
To support Pride month, Dr. Martens has given its iconic 1461 smooth leather Oxford Shoes a rainbow take by adding a rainbow flag, stitching, laces, and a heel loop. Beyond the products, the footwear brand has also partnered up with The Trevor Project to aid in suicide prevention across all LGBTQ+ communities across the world.
Teva
Here’s another colourful statement piece to add to your wardrobe for Pride this month. To support the LGBTQ+ community, Teva is contributing US$35,000 to the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, an organisation dedicated to empowering and giving a platform for self-expression to the LGBTQ+ community.
Read also: Important LGBTQ+ terms and definitions everyone should know
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