Dior Sent A Feminist Tee Down The Runway At PFW

Maria Grazia Chiuri, the new creative director for Christian Dior, made a powerful statement at her debut Paris Fashion Week show on Sept. 30. In the midst of runway models dressed in gauzy dresses with full skirts and structured separates, Dior's Spring/Summer 2017 fashion show happened to be a T-shirt with the words “We Should All Be Feminists” emblazoned across the chest.

Given the fact that house Dior has been designing for women since the first "New Look" collection in 1947, it might be surprising for some to learn that Chiuri is the first ever female creative director of the fashion house. While Chiuri's Spring/Summer 2017 collection was a bit of a departure from the brand's classically feminine silhouettes, Chiuri's edgy looks (sneakers paired with maxis, fencing-inspired jackets, etc) and a bold pro-feminism message created a fresh aesthetic for the brand.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, excerpts from a speech by author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie echoed throughout the show, including "We teach girls to shrink themselves, to make themselves smaller. We say to girls: You can have ambition, but not too much. You should aim to be successful but not too successful, otherwise you will threaten the man."

On the runway, the feminist T-shirt was paired with a zodiac embellished maxi skirt, layered with necklaces, and accessorized with a pair of edgy sneaker boots.

The shirt isn't exactly a political statement, but it could give us some insight into where Chiuri want's to take the legendary fashion house in the future.

"I strive to be attentive and open to the world and to create fashion that resembles the women of today," Chiuri said in her show notes.

With the presidential election coming up (wherein another woman might get a certain high powered job previously reserved for men), Chiuri’s feminist message is pretty perfect. Unfortunately, the T-shirt won't be available to shop until after the election, so you can't wear it to cast your vote. Still, it's an awesome message to send down the runway — especially since a woman is behind it all.