Fashion and HIV
Very recently a very successful event was held in Lilongwe that brought together young upcoming fashion designers, men signing up against gender-based violence and HIV testing and counselling. This is one of the many ways that fashion interfaces with HIV and Aids.
There have been some wonderful pieces by designers at Chancellor College through Condom Couture, a fashion show of clothes made out of condoms and fabric, with the aim of de-stigmatising condoms.
On the global stage, Mondo Guerra, designer and winner of Project Runway All Stars, is living with HIV. He blends fashion and media to raise awareness about HIV.
Bornfree, a fashion initiative, with 20 plus top designers, aims to eradicate mother-to-child HIV transmission. The designers have created a collection of items crafted for moms and babies.
Weaving Destination, a regional social enterprise in India and Cambodia, aims to economically empower women living with HIV and survivors of human trafficking. The women learn design techniques and marketing skills to sell their fashion products. Through the programme they build their self esteem and confidence. Outcomes from the programme have seen women gain a sustainable income, social acceptance in the community as levels of stigma and discrimination are reduced, and better adherence to treatment.
Organisations such as Doctors Without Borders have organised fashion shows where the models are women living with HIV—the aim being to show what is possible when treatment is available.
At Red Ribbon Runways all the designs are themed on Red Ribbons. Fashion houses sell products where all proceeds go to supporting communities affected by HIV or towards HIV research like the Marie Claire Handbag which supports the Elizabeth Glaser Paediatric Aids Foundation. I own a pair of beautiful slippers that I bought in South Africa, the proceeds of which go to supporting a community group. They leave a red ribbon imprint.
MAC, the make up company, have a glamorous red lipstick. Every cent of the VIVA GLAM lipstick goes to the MAC Aids fund. The MAC Aids fund is a multimillion dollar fund that supports projects globally on HIV prevention, treatment and care.
Fashion is doing a lot for HIV and Aids. It is creating awareness, raising funds, building confidence and self-esteem, providing an income for women with HIV, decreasing stigma and discrimination, encouraging testing, and promoting safe sex—these are just a few examples of the myriad ways fashion is bolstering HIV and Aids efforts!
