How Cannabis Has Influenced the Fashion Industry
The recent rave about weed-inspired designs and textiles in the fashion industry has its history. The story of cannabis and the fashion industry is one that features innovation, sabotage, resistance, and comradeship.
As many states in the U.S battle on the legal status of cannabis, support for weed in the fashion world is increasing every day.
History of Cannabis in Fashion
Cannabis has long been known for its potentials to be a prominent textile raw material. Around 8,000 B.C, the hemp plant was popularly used to make thick textiles which include boat sails and winter clothing.
Cotton and hemp industries used to be strong competitors for the attention of the textile industry. One way to discredit hemp was to describe its psychoactive properties as devilish. This old conspiracy led to the criminalization of marijuana and hemp plants.
More light has been shed on the potentials of the weed plant; the fashion industry is retracing its steps to reposition cannabis to its lost dominant position.
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Music Stars & Designers
Rihanna and Miley Cyrus are two influential artists to declare their strong support for cannabis in the 21st century.
This further inspired Miley Cyrus during her Bangerz Tour in 2014 to design a cannabis leaf leotard. This was complemented by her white cowboy boots and chain with a weed theme pendant to show her support for cannabis, check the outfit out here.
Another notable name to support cannabis in the fashion industry was the designer Alexander Wang.
Alexander Wang's Fall/Winter collections of 2016 had their show hit the spotlight for openly supporting cannabis couture. Their lace and leather collections were mostly inspired by the marijuana leaf.
Cannabis & Solidarity
As the Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests hit major US cities, the idea of colored race being stigmatized due to their support for weed is also being fought. Many people from racial minorities have been victims of police brutality simply because they possess weed.
Cannabis inspired clothing is now a growing fashion trend around the world, with designers and high street stores designing apparel to showcase the marijuana leaf. The marijuana leaf symbol is now becoming more popular on jewelry, hats, bandanas, and other accessories.
As the perception of cannabis around the world changes, we are likely to see the marijuana leaf show up more and more in fashion. To some, the symbol of a marijuana leaf on clothing was something of a negative symbol. But this perception is changing and changing fast as we see an influx in cannabis styled clothing and fashion.
Future of Cannabis in Fashion
As more countries and states in the US legalize cannabis, the opportunities for brands looking to produce cannabis themed clothing is huge. With every passed legislation and the increase in popularity, fashion looks to be heavily inspired by cannabis in the future.
Many brands may be tempted to join in the advocacy for pro-cannabis which in turn has the possibility to influence the force of change to cannabis laws.
Big designers in New York and Los Angeles are already spearheading the radical movement of cannabis-themed products into the fashion industry. In fashion there looks to be a lot of potential but work still needs to be done.
With education and knowledge, the global population approach will change to understand cannabis better. Cannabis will start to lose its stigma-laden status in some societies.
Investments in weed-inspired brands and favorable legislation across many more states will help elevate cannabis textiles and couture.
GL420 Enterprise, Inc., is fully licensed by both the city of Los Angeles and the State of California.
