ADA ÜNLÜ
The search for purpose has been one of the main subjects of art and artists for centuries. Today, in a world of chaos, wars and inequalities, everyone is looking for a “purpose”, in different ways.
Art and activism have always been closely related, as both seek to inspire and drive social change. The anonymous British street artist Banksy is known for his provocative and politically charged works. He addresses social issues such as war, poverty, and the refugee crisis.
Another example is Ai Weiwei, a Chinese contemporary artist and activist who uses his art to criticize the Chinese government and advocate for human rights.
And now, a rapper exhibits his art with an activist attitude. ASAP Rocky is one of the most respected rappers of our generation. He has long been in the fashion game and has been more deeply involved since marrying Rihanna.
During the Menswear Spring/Summer 2025, ASAP Rocky made his runway debut with ASAP Rocky X American Sabotage by Awge.
The launch of Asap’s AWGE collection was announced during Paris Fashion Week with a special runway. The runway was about twining together activism and art: “It’s a thought-provoking world of fashion through the expressionism of the ghetto, challenging conventional definitions within diverse communities and cultures.”
The show took place in the Hotel de Maisons, Karl Lagerfeld’s house. In an interview with GQ, Asap warned that it would be a ‘political satire.’
At the venue’s entrance, mannequins stood with their faces covered, with a ‘Don’t be dumb’ slogan. Guests were given fans printed with anti-war symbols.
The show demonstrated Rocky’s own style, but also the US political history. On one t-shirt, there was this quote: “Harrisburg, Pennsylvania”, the Underground Railroad, where a vast network of people helped fugitive slaves escape to the North and to Canada,
Looking closely, we could also see the year “1865” marked on collections, the year the Thirteenth Amendment was ratified and formally abolishing slavery under the US Constitution.
One piece resembles a bulletproof vest, reminiscent of the famous stab-proof vest featuring the Union Jack, which Stormzy wore during his headline performance at Glastonbury in 2019. This choice aimed to bring attention to inequality in the justice system and the arts, and it is not surprising that Bansky designed the vest.
Fashion with purpose
“Expressing our individuality is great, but sometimes expressing our unity and reliance on each other is a good thing to remember too… especially in the face of the peak intolerance we are experiencing in the world right now. This is fashion with purpose, where art meets activism,” Rocky wrote in the show notes.
In an interview with GQ, he openly expressed himself: “It’s just me trying to encapsulate all of my experiences, everything that I’ve learned, everything I’ve experienced about the social issues and the social climate of America. I think fashion is an expression. It’s to express how you feel. This is no different.”
