Model Ayesha Tan-Jones has used their platform at Milan Fashion Week to protest the exact show they was walking in.
Appearing for Gucci on their SS20 show, Tan-Jones was photographed with ‘Mental Health is Not Fashion’ written on their palms. Tan-Jones and the other Gucci models were featured on a conveyor belt dressed in white, in outfits that allegedly depicted straitjackets.
Posting to Instagram their reasoning for the protest, Tan-Jones acknowledged their own struggles with mental health.
“Many people with Mental Health issues are still stigmatised in the workplace and in daily life, while many people still do not consider mental health issues as ‘real illnesses’ as they may not be visible.” they wrote.
“Straight Jackets are a symbol of a cruel time in medicine when mental illness was not understood, and people’s rights and liberties were taken away from them, while they were abused and tortured in the institution.”
Following the runway show, Tan-Jones announced to their social media following that their earnings would be going toward mental health charities, encouraging followers to also get behind the cause.
“Many of the other Gucci models who were in the show felt just as strongly about this depiction of straightjackets, and without their support I would not have had the courage to walk out and peacefully protest.” they said.
“The support people have shown to my act is more than I could imagine, so I only trust that we will share this same support to our friends, siblings, loved ones, acquaintances, internet friends or even strangers, who might be going through tough times with their Mental Health.”
Gucci have since responded to Tan-Jones’ protest, noting the purpose of the straitjacket-esque styling of their SS20 line.
“Uniforms, utilitarian clothes, normative dress, including straitjackets, were included in the #GucciSS20 fashion show as the most extreme version of a uniform dictated by society and those who control it. These clothes were a statement for the fashion show and will not be sold.”
