Redefining what it means to be a model

We meet Halima Aden, Mari Malek, Grace Mahary and Jillian Mercado to find out how fashion and activism can meet.

For designers, models, and fashionistas alike, New York Fashion Week is the pinnacle of the season. It comes with the excitement of seeing new faces strut down the catwalk and witnessing the debut collections of emerging designers.

But, this year, there is substantial buzz beyond the runway, thanks in part to Mari Malek, Grace Mahary, Halima Aden and Jillian Mercado. These three women are redefining what it means to be a fashion model. Malek, Mahary, Aden and Mercado are using their personal brands to bring attention to causes they care passionately about. Particularly, access to education, renewable energy, and disability rights. 

Their ability to move between the modeling and activism worlds is partly due to a shift in the fashion community. Now, more than ever, there is an emphasis on not only creating goods, but doing good. But is this awakening a moment or a movement? Just a trend? We pose that question to Malek, Mahary, Aden and Mercado when they join The Stream to discuss fashion activism. 

On this episode of The Stream, we speak with:​
Grace Mahary @GraceMahary

Fashion model

projecttsehigh.com
Mari Malek @DJStiletto

Fashion model and activist

marimalek.com
Jillian Mercado @jilly_peppa

Fashion model and activist

manufactured1987.com
Halima Aden @Kinglimaa

Model

Read more: 
Is Colin Kaepernick’s Nike deal activism – or just capitalism? – The Guardian 

Does fashion activism actually work? – Fashionista 

What do you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.