When Function, Fashion, And Politics Intersect

The new normal… What is that in the time of coronavirus when unprecedented changes are reported every hour? This pandemic is affecting all areas of life, including fashion and politics: two of the world’s oldest socially distant friends. Here is a first brief look at this fascinating intersection as historic news and instantly iconic imagery continue to stream in.

Slovakia rarely commands global attention. However, this Eastern European nation made fashion history over the weekend when its president, Zuzana Čaputová, swore in the new government wearing a matching outfit, complete with a color-coordinated face mask. In fact, all members of the cabinet posed for the requisite photo in protective masks. To many, the unsettling image felt like a promo campaign for a dystopian television series or a provocative editorial spread. “Twitter cannot comprehend this,” read viral headlines. It is unclear if the move will go down as a faux pas or a brave stance.

Vestidos de Cerimonia

Just 48 hours later we got another glimpse of our alternate reality. While visiting a hospital treating COVID-19 patients outside of Moscow, Russian president Vladimir Putin wore a nuclear-grade yellow hazmat suit. The world is accustomed to seeing him in stately Kremlin attire or shirtless on a horse, so this struck a raw nerve with people. For weeks, Russia has been reporting zero fatalities and virtually no infections. Putin’s new look sent conflicting messages and “launched a thousand memes.”