Support among designers was a huge part of giving the Fashion Stands With Planned Parenthood movement the traction to succeed. Prabal Gurung used his Fall show to communicate a variety of messages via T-shirts emblazoned with “I have a dream,” “Femininity with a bite,” “This is what a feminist looks like,” “The future is female” and more—and the Fashion Stands With Planned Parenthood pin made a runway appearance.
We asked Gurung about his involvement with #IStandWithPP.
Why are you excited to be a part of this initiative?
Planned Parenthood is often the only option for women in underserved communities. As a designer, I feel that it’s essential to use my voice to advocate and educate. Even if my message inspires only a handful, it all makes a difference.
What is your hope for the future of Planned Parenthood?
My hope is for the organization to receive funding and donations so it can continue to offer what it does already and beyond. Planned Parenthood currently reaches 2.5 million patients. I want to see this number grow, and for them to help even more women.
What’s one way people can make a difference in today’s world?
There are so many things we can do to make a difference, and our society is becoming increasingly awake and aware. This is, as Gloria Steinem called it, the upside of the downside. It is so inspiring to see people, who were never involved in politics or activism, taking a stand and speaking up. For me, creating a conversation about the issues is an important way to make an impact.
