How are these women redefining what it means to be a model?

For designers, models, and fashionistas alike, New York Fashion Week is the pinnacle of the season. It comes with the excitement of seeing new faces strut down the catwalk and witnessing the debut collections of emerging designers.

But, this year, there is substantial buzz beyond the runway, thanks in part to Mari Malek, Grace Mahary, Halima Aden and Jillian Mercado. These four women are redefining what it means to be a fashion model. Malek, Mahary, Aden and Mercado are using their personal brands to bring attention to causes they care passionately about. Particularly, access to education, renewable energy, and disability rights. 

Their ability to move between the modeling and activism worlds is partly due to a shift in the fashion community. Now, more than ever, there is an emphasis on not only creating goods, but doing good. But is this awakening a moment or a movement? Just a trend? We pose that question to Malek, Mahary, Aden and Mercado when they join The Stream to discuss fashion activism. 

On this episode of The Stream, we speak with:​

Grace Mahary @GraceMahary
Fashion model
projecttsehigh.com

Mari Malek @DJStiletto
Fashion model and activist
marimalek.com

Jillian Mercado @jilly_peppa
Fashion model and activist
manufactured1987.com

Halima Aden @Kinglimaa
Model

Read more: 

Is Colin Kaepernick’s Nike deal activism – or just capitalism? – The Guardian 
Does fashion activism actually work? – Fashionista 

What do you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.