unpacking fascist fashion in The Handmaid's Tale

⋆˙⟡ About ⋆˙⟡
Fashion can reveal a lot about the political climate of a nation. In this video, we explore how Gilead operates as a fascist state drawing comparisons to Mussolini’s Italy and Hitler’s Germany. By examining how fascism comes about, we can begin to understand the way fashion is used to control and promote an image of a united country.

⋆˙⟡ Support my channel! ⋆˙⟡

⋆˙⟡ Sources ⋆˙⟡

⋆˙⟡ Timestamps ⋆˙⟡
Introduction - 00:00
How is Gilead fascist? - 00:37
Creating a fashion of oppression - 06:43
Closing thoughts - 14:04

⋆˙⟡ Fair Use Notice ⋆˙⟡
This video may contain copyright material; the use of which has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. This material is made available under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made "fair use" for the purposes such as criticism, comment, review, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that otherwise might be infringing. All rights belong to its owners.

Music from #Uppbeat
License code: TTHPFZFC5VW5T03I

Creator Notes:
Not gonna lie guys, I was very intimidated by this video topic, given the complexity of fascism, but I’m glad I did it anyways because I learned so much! I’m no expert on this, so I hope the comment section can serve as a place that facilitates more conversation on this. Thanks for being here. xo, Mal

[Raddiebaddie]

That’s the harrowing part - she didn’t write anything in the story that hasn’t happened to women and people in real life… and if it happened before it can happen again

[rachelurquhart]

One thing I find interesting is that the women are dressed a bit like peasants but the men are always wearing these classic tailored suits. I feel like it makes it so much more obvious how the ideology is based on a fantasy of the past rather than real tradition or the men would also be dressed like peasants. Reminds me of the real life FLDS and how the husbands are always in suits while their wives are in prairie dress.

[Raddiebaddie]

My heart breaks for the women and girls and people being oppressed in Afghanistan right now. They’ve really been abandoned by the world 😢

[thealphafox]

1:43 quick correction: under the nazis, abortions were prohibited in the case of a healthy, ‘aryan’ baby, but abortions of unhealthy pregnancies or foetuses with birth defects, illnesses or diseases were encouraged if not mandatorily enforced. They also had a polarising euthanasia programme under which adults and children alike were put down if they expressed any sign of ‘genetic unfitness’ but that lost popularity over time. They also established the Mutterkreuz which was a civil medal of honour given to women with large families in various degrees, depending on how many children the woman had. If I remember correctly, the highest was 8 or more

[katherineheasley]

One correction: Commanders' daughters wear pink. Sydney Sweeney's character was a teenage Econo-Wife, and that was her wedding dress. In the book, Econo-Wives wore stripes of blue, green, and red (signifying they were Wives, Marthas, and Handmaids all in one), but in the series, the Econo folk wore gray.

[etcetera]

Honestly I don't think Ivanka's dress is an intentional allusion to the villains in an antifascist novel. That family doesn't strike me as remotely well-read.

I think it's more a case of tasteless wealthy people aping what their party says is fashionable, and that happens to be Dior/Chanel.

[biancan]

Omg I’ve been wanting to see an analysis like this for a while!! Idk if this is very related but after watching the show I realized that the neo-conservative movements are affecting my everyday life more than they should. It’s my third year of uni and, during summer(I live in the Southern Hemisphere so our summer is American winter) I realized that it was weird to see girls wearing skirts, in comparison to prior years. Almost as if short clothes became “tacky”. Anyways, I started wearing skirts more often, I guess as a way of remembering that modesty doesn’t make me more acceptable.

I even discussed it with my boyfriend and a friend, who told me she was subconsciously feeling more pressured to act more feminine. So yeah, it felt pretty awkward to realize that clothing is aligning with this new conservative trend. But it’s nice to know that I can still wear skirts, makes me remember to not take this freedom for granted

[lolalina_]

VERY powerful video! I subscribed, can't believe this much quality has just a few views! I hope this blows up!

[amethystdream]

The outfit comparisons were on point. Unfortunately in NYC it is looking like the early stages on the way to Handmaid's Tale. The other women are in denial, and I'm not sure how to reason with the men anymore. I've actually been having a difficult time leaving this location because of the hive psychology that has been blocking me from opportunities I need to afford leaving comfortably, independently, and at my own pace.

[charleneong]

TIL that Mussolini was the OG creator of the tradwive movement

[CFinch]

Note that Christian Dior launched his fashion house in 1946-AFTER the end of WWII.

[theriveroftruth]

love this video! great analysis, love the comment pointing out the german award for having a bunch of kids. i was waiting for you to mention chanel but also hugo boss. it feels like it’s kind of become an internet meme at some point but hugo boss designed the nazi uniforms. it’s important to remember how big brands capitulate to fascism or even endorse it. excellent editing too, i really enjoyed the visuals!! ❤

[maqima]

1:06 it's just a nitpick but it's pronounced chow-chess-co I'm pretty sure

[ori]

This is such an incredible analysis of fashion and fascism!! The parallels to today are chilling! I totally admire your ability to make such an interesting yet educational video. *CHEFS KISS* #newsubbie

[noakalocsa]

This needs to blow up my jaw is on the floor why am I crying I didn’t know that the story was so based in reality I’ve always blown off people saying that the handmaids tale could become a reality

[KristinaVeshtort-Kask]

Excellent overview, concise and on point. Thank you for your work!

[heleensenekal]

What a great explanation! Thank you for your efforts 😍

[RachelD-vhks]

They didn't say much about widow's