Recently, I’ve noticed a, while small, still significant pattern amongst women in the spotlight. Celebrities from the likes of Olivia Rodrigo to Ms. Rachel have been seen wearing Palestinian-made dresses. The impact of their choice certainly does not go overlooked, and I’d like to highlight the art and meaning within these dresses.

Ms. Rachel is an American Youtuber and singer who creates educational videos for young children and toddlers. She is one of my favorite people – and she makes videos for babies. Obviously I am not her target demographic, but when it comes to her activism, she is one of the most inspiring and impactful people in current media. Ms. Rachel focuses on humanitarian relief for children affected by conflict and war, and she uses her platform to spread awareness to this cause. She has raised over $1 million for organizations like Palestine Children’s Relief Fund and Save the Children.

Ms. Rachel attended the Glamour Woman of the Year Awards adorned in a custom white and black dress featuring artwork and embroideries by nine Palestinian children from Gaza. Each artwork is unique, vibrant, and spreads the message of hope. Some of the images include a peace dove holding an olive branch, a Palestinian flag, and a girl hugging a watermelon. On the carpet, Ms. Rachel took the time to explain each artwork and who the artist was. The vibrant message of the dress and importance of those involved in making it is what art is all about.

Recently, American singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo held the very first Daisy Chain Fields Festival. It was a single-day, women-led charity music festival held in California. An amazing 100% of proceeds went to ten women-focused nonprofits like Planned Parenthood and the Center for Reproductive Rights, to name a couple. The festival was incredibly successful, with many saying how smooth it was for it’s first year.

Olivia Rodrigo debuted the event wearing a handmade dress from Palestinian label Nöl Collective. Nöl Collective, based in Ramallah, creates garments with local family-run sewing workshops, artisan studios, and women’s cooperatives across Palestine. The beautiful pink silk dress featured tatreez embroidery, a traditional Palestinian cross-stitch embroidery in which motifs and color symbolize deep connection to the land and serve as a silent protest during times when political symbols are restricted. It will always amaze me how art is utilized in times of disparity or conflict to get a message out, no matter what.

I am so appreciative of those in the spotlight who speak out on important topics around the world. Even a subtle gesture like wearing a certain piece of clothing stands out as a protest of it’s own. I believe it’s crucial to remember that art is, and always will be, political.

Thank you for reading,

Phaedra