Fashion has long been regarded as a means of self-expression, and for some, it serves as a powerful tool for challenging societal norms. In this article, we delve into how fashion can be a form of resistance, offering a fresh perspective on its role in social change.
To explore this topic, we sat down with Tijesuni, a model and lover of colorful fashion, who has built a career that merges personal style with social advocacy.
Tijesuni’s unique fashion sense defies traditional expectations. Over the years, she has carved out a space where her style reflects her individuality and evolving values. With a growing interest in reading and creating social media content around fashion, she has become a voice in the movement that blends personal expression with advocacy for change.
In this interview, house contributor, Mololuwa Olabode sits down with Tijesuni to share her journey with us, offering insights into how fashion has helped her challenge societal norms, embrace her identity, and contribute to broader even often polarized social conversations.
TheLink News: Can you share with us how you first became interested in using fashion as a form of resistance and self-expression? What inspired you to explore fashion as a tool for challenging societal norms and expectations?
Tijesuni: Fashion, in my opinion, is naturally a challenge to social norms. New trends constantly emerge, disrupting older styles and ideas. When I first entered the fashion world, I was drawn to the idea of challenging societal norms through my clothing. Over time, though, that focus has shifted. Now, I’m more interested in using fashion to express myself authentically rather than overtly resisting norms. It’s about finding the best way to reflect who I am.
TheLink News: How has fashion helped you express your identity over the years? How has your personal style evolved to reflect your beliefs and values?
Tijesuni: Fashion evolves with age and experience. In my teenage years and early 20s, I definitely embraced a more rebellious approach to style, pushing boundaries with what I wore. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve become less concerned with how others perceive my choices. I wear what I feel comfortable in and what resonates with me at that moment. I’m open to suggestions, but I no longer feel the need to conform to others’ expectations or societal standards. It’s liberating to be indifferent to outside reactions while still considering helpful feedback.
TheLink News: Can you give us some examples of how you’ve used fashion as a form of resistance? How do you think fashion can be a powerful tool in challenging cultural and social norms?
Tijesuni: When I was younger, I often wore gender non-conforming outfits as a way to express myself and challenge societal expectations around fashion and identity. For example, I transformed suits into casual outfits, blending traditionally masculine and feminine elements. By doing that, I was able to express myself more freely. The truth is, fashion allows us to reshape the way people perceive social norms. As long as you can make any new trend your own, you’re influencing those norms, even if subtly.
TheLink News: Movements like sustainable fashion, body positivity, and gender-neutral clothing are gaining momentum. How do you see these movements contributing to the broader conversation on social justice?
Tijesuni: These movements are crucial because they help people see fashion through a broader lens. They’re pushing us to think beyond the traditional restrictions of beauty, gender, and consumption. That said, I do have reservations about the trends that these movements sometimes set, which can become just as restrictive as the ones they’re trying to dismantle. But overall, they’ve been instrumental in encouraging us to think differently about what fashion can and should represent.
TheLink News: How can people use their personal style to make political statements or advocate for social change? Can you share examples of how you’ve seen or used fashion in this way?
Tijesuni: Fashion can be incredibly powerful when it comes to making political statements. I remember at the 2024 Emmys, there was a male celebrity who wore a dinner suit with a red handprint painted on his face. The message was a tribute to the Native American women who are often kidnapped and murdered without much attention from the public. It was a simple but bold statement. Fashion has the ability to communicate powerful messages without words, and when used thoughtfully, it can bring much-needed attention to social issues.
TheLink News: Social media often promotes a “perfection” standard in fashion. How do you challenge this through your own platforms?
Tijesuni: I wouldn’t say I’ve consciously tried to push a non-perfection fashion agenda, but I also don’t strive for that so-called perfect look. The truth is, there’s no such thing as perfect fashion. Even the most put-together style is subjective, and everyone is just figuring out what works for them. I try to be as authentic as possible on my platforms, showing that fashion is fluid, and everyone is just finding their way.
TheLink News: Finally, what advice would you give to readers who want to use fashion as a means to challenge societal norms and advocate for change? How can they start incorporating these principles into their everyday fashion choices?
Tijesuni: My advice would be to learn from everyone around you but not to consume everything you see or hear. Don’t judge others or their choices either. Take suggestions where they make sense, but remember that sometimes you need to ignore them. Most importantly, once you feel good in what you’re wearing, it’s your style. If you want to use fashion to advocate for change, make sure that every piece you wear has purpose and meaning. It should feel like it’s contributing to something greater than just looking good.
I honestly hope my reflections on fashion as a tool for self-expression and resistance remind us that style is more than just clothing. It’s a dynamic and evolving language giving individuals the power to challenge societal norms, communicate convictions with respect for the other, and advocate for change.
I want my journey to encourage readers to approach fashion with purpose—using it not only as a way to reflect personal identity but also as a means to impact the world around them.
My ultimate message, I guess is message is, fashion is for everyone, and it’s at its most powerful when used as a means to challenge, inspire, and advocate for a better, more inclusive world.
