During his set at the 2019 Glastonbury festival, British rapper Stormzy came on stage with a stab-proof vest that boasted a spraypaint-style Union Jack flag. This venture of radical stage wardrobe had multiple implications.
For one, it was later revealed that the stab-proof vest was the work of no other than radical graffiti artist and activist Banksy. The credit was claimed on the creative's Instagram account. Moreover, the radical aesthetic marked the fact that in Glastonbury's history — one that spans for 49 years, this was the first time that a black British solo musician was headlining. In addition, the stab-proof vest is a statement in-and-of-itself. Through sporting the garment on stage, Stormzy wanted to make a comment on "Britain's knife-crime crisis and racial inequality in the criminal justice system."
Artist-Designed Stab-Proof Vests
Stormzy Wore an Article of Clothing That is Designed by Banksy
Trend Themes
1. Artist-designed Protective Clothing - The trend of artist-designed protective clothing creates innovation opportunities in fashion with a focus on safety and activism.
2. Creative Activism - The trend of creative activism through fashion and art provides avenues for the expression of social commentary and calls for social change.
3. Conscious Fashion - The trend of conscious fashion promotes the integration of sustainability, safety, and activism in clothing design.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion Industry - The fashion industry can tap into the trend of artist-designed protective clothing and create collections with a safety and activism focus.
2. Art Industry - The art industry can develop collaborations, such as the Banksy and Stormzy project, that bring social commentary to the forefront of artistic expression.
3. Safety and Security Industry - The safety and security industry can work with fashion designers to create protective clothing that is both functional and fashionable, catering to a growing market for protective wear for everyday use.