FASHION-able

Pret-a-revolter was an activist clothes collection set up for the G8
meeting in Genoa 2001 for the civil disobedient fashionista. It was
produced by the Spanish group Las Agencias (who are also behind
YOMANGO). The colourful clothes of the collection contains pockets
for soft materials buffering police batons, and some that may also conceal
cameras for documenting violent abuse. This protest couture had both
a street function and a media function; to expose the violent response to
peaceful protests and to create media attention for the carnivalesque side
of demonstrations as an answer to the media’s tendency to criminal-
ize any form of political antagonism (top). Las Agencias also held
workshops where the participants could create shock proof clothing for
violent confrontations with the police out of recycled water bottles and
plastic bags. This type of armoured clothing both protects and exposes the
constant threat of police violence. As part of their “lifestyle brand” they
also had lessons in nonviolent demonstrations and street protest tactics.
This is a specific form of adhocism, pulled together just before protest
actions as utilitarian clothing. However, in its mimicking of fashion it is
also a prank and carnivalesque celebration of protest, using it for street
protests - true “street style”.