By Babak Baniasadi, Vision Times contributor
When I first encountered woke fashion, I was captivated. The bold promises of inclusivity and social progress seemed compelling. The idea that clothing could champion diversity and drive change felt interesting. Brands showcased diverse models and ethical campaigns. This seemed like a path forward in fashion.
Yet as I watched these ideals unfold, a growing unease took hold. The outcomes often clashed with the rhetoric. Divisions deepened. Aesthetics suffered. I was confused by the gap between promise and reality. I decided to dive deeper. I embarked on a journey to understand woke fashion’s true roots and impact. I sought clarity in a world of bold claims.
The unraveling
I immersed myself in research to unravel woke fashion’s foundations. I traced the ideological threads. Through extensive reading and discussions, I uncovered deep ties to Marxist philosophy. Marxism advocates dismantling traditional standards of morality, beauty, and culture. The goal is to construct a utopian society.
Marxism seeks to achieve communism through socialism as a mechanism. This happens either via violent revolution — as seen historically in China — or through the slow and methodical takeover of institutions. The Frankfurt School, for instance, labeled this strategy the “long march through institutions.” And though Communism has been repeatedly tried, it has failed every time — often with devastating consequences.
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The Frankfurt School also gave rise to “Critical Theory.” This framework eventually birthed the concept of “Postmodernism.” Postmodernism is a philosophy rejecting all objective standards. It asserts instead that everything is subjective. This rejection of tradition and objectivity directly fueled “wokeism.” Wokeism is a worldview now pervasive in modern fashion.
In my investigation, I studied historical texts from the Frankfurt School alongside contemporary fashion trends. I noticed many interesting trends of gender ambiguity. Male models dress in traditionally feminine clothing. Gender distinctions become blurred or indistinguishable. Sustainable fashion campaigns flood the internet. Ironically, more and more clothing is produced using synthetic materials like polyester.
Heated debates about cultural appropriation versus appreciation overshadow discussions about aesthetics and craftsmanship.
Today, political activism and social justice issues seem to take precedence over traditional fashion values. This realization led me to a critical question: what happens when fashion becomes a vehicle for ideology rather than reflecting beauty?
The turning point
The turning point came when I realized something important: Woke fashion ideals achieve the exact opposite of their intended purpose. They serve as a Trojan horse that undermines beauty itself. These ideological undercurrents aren’t just abstract; they manifest in real campaigns with real consequences.
Case in point: Target’s 2023 Pride collection that sparked outrage across the country. Parents discovered it included clothing that pushed adult issues like sexuality onto young children. The backlash was so intense that Target was forced to pull some items from store shelves. The campaign alienated loyal customers and fractured trust, showcasing how woke fashion can sow discord instead of harmony.
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Ever since the ’80s, pop and rock fashion has also risen. Men have increasingly embraced feminine clothing. This contributes to a broader cultural shift toward feminizing masculinity. This shift has been amplified by slogans condemning patriarchy and framing masculinity as inherently toxic. By 2025, runways now regularly feature men in dresses, high heels, and carrying purses.
To the casual observer, it might seem harmless — live and let live. But reality paints a darker picture. Men are approaching women less, birth rates are falling, and there are record numbers of men reporting depression and dependency on medication. Many are now turning to characters like Jordan Peterson and Andrew Tate in a desperate search for meaning and direction.
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Meanwhile, environmentalism has been weaponized to restrict small businesses. It saddles them with burdensome regulations they can’t afford. Large corporations benefit. A clear example is California’s recent bill targeting the fashion industry. Once bills are passed, enforcing them often turns into a bureaucratic nightmare. This then creates confusion, red tape, and burdens that affect everyone.
As I connected the dots, I began to see fashion’s true purpose. Fashion should pursue beauty grounded in time-tested traditions.
A new perspective
My journey led me to a redefined perspective. Fashion should be rooted in tradition and centered on beauty. Timeless designs carry cultural significance and lasting appeal that transcend trends. A well-tailored suit exemplifies this. Ralph Lauren’s quiet luxury revival inspired by Savile Row demonstrates this. Tradition builds on proven ideas, unlike wokeism’s risky experiments.
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A well-crafted dress, with its clean lines and vibrant fabric, can uplift both wearer and viewer. It fosters shared joy. Beauty in fashion isn’t frivolous. It’s a universal language, connecting us to heritage and humanity. Fashion prioritizes aesthetics and craftsmanship. This way, fashion avoids the divisive pitfalls of ideological agendas. It offers something enduring and uplifting instead.
My journey began with enthusiasm for woke fashion’s promises. It ended with a deeper appreciation for tradition and beauty. Exploring the Marxist roots and divisive outcomes was eye-opening. This revealed fashion’s true purpose.
A return to timeless traditions
Fashion is fundamentally about beauty and tradition. Fashion’s essence lies in pursuing beauty. This beauty is built upon traditions shaped through 5,000 years of human history. These traditions are continuously refined by retaining what works and discarding what doesn’t. Tradition is tested wisdom. Removing tradition forces us to reinvent the wheel. This is an unnecessary and potentially dangerous endeavor.
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Human civilization has become highly sophisticated precisely because we stand on the shoulders of accumulated traditions. If we recklessly discard this foundation, dangerous ideas can easily take root. This leads humanity into chaos. History has shown us vividly the horrifying consequences. Countries like China, North Korea, and Russia demonstrate what happens when traditions are dismantled.
This creates opportunities for evil or power-hungry individuals to exploit instability and cause immense suffering.
When fashion honors beauty and tradition, it uplifts culture by celebrating humanity and weaving generations together. But when fashion is co-opted by ideology, it loses its soul and connection. We must return to what endures. This isn’t to limit creativity, but to give it roots.
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