Ella Mae SS27: ‘PEACE ON EARTH !!’ Proves Subculture Will Save the Planet
Two things can be true: Someone can be hot and an activist—and that is true for the Ella Mae girl.
Photography by Andrea Sabugo
When you turn on the news nowadays, there seem to be no positive updates when it comes to the political climate. Ella Mae, however, is protesting for world peace in a positive way in her SS27 collection, PEACE ON EARTH !! Here, she integrates various subcultures and cultural references, such as romanticism, 2000s club culture, Marie Antoinette, and Jersey Shore.
Two things can be true: Someone can be hot and an activist—and that is true for the Ella Mae girl. Her army is fighting for peace, beauty, and the planet in a playful, pink, punk, and a little trashy way. We see this in PEACE ON EARTH !! through ruffles, silk taffeta, graphic tees, and protest messaging.
Photography by Andrea Sabugo
Silhouettes of Marie Antoinette emerge through a naughtier Victorian-era motif: cutout, sheer, and ruffled balloon dresses and tops. Then, we enter the Jersey Shore era: capri-length leggings, tiny cami tops, and short shorts. The 2000s activist makes herself known through graphic tees and tank tops that read, “Earth, our Mother. Take Care,” and “Peaceful Way,” tulle skirts, and baggy pants. The club girl wears woven dresses and tops, shin-length tights, and off-the-shoulder crop tops.
All of these concepts are married with soft, yet hardcore tones of pink, brown, grey, black, and white. Mae incorporates details of ribbons, peace signs, sunglasses, plaid patterns, flower scarves, garters, drapery, and layering.
“Evolving contemplation on romanticism. Romanticism + early 2000s club style,” Mae says. “Think Marie Antoinette meets Jersey Shore. Mixing of things that don’t go together, yet share an indulgence of drama and beauty. Bad girls of history / hot girls who love beauty, indulgence, and drama. Beauty helps us surrender to peace!! Being loud like anarchist rebel soldiers. Graphics as protest signs. Protect the earth because it is the only place you can buy lipstick. Infused with Ella Mae essence. Peace and love, and what is on my mind.”
