This time of year is straight-up exciting. First, it’s warm enough that I can now wear the jackets I’ve been neglecting all winter (and obviously this matters to me, hello). Second, everyone’s getting announced to represent every brand, and we get to talk about that, as is the way.
So enter: Caitlyn Jenner, who’s just been announced as the new face of H&M Sports.
“Backstage with @hm!” she tweeted yesterday. “So proud to be part of their inspiring #HMsport campaign. #MoreIsComing #StayTuned”
The news was then confirmed by a spokesperson for the Swedish brand.
“For H&M, it is important to show diversity and a range of personalities in everything we do,” they said. “We have picked Caitlyn Jenner, one of the world’s most celebrated athletes, as part of this H&M Sports campaign because we do want to illustrate that everything is possible — in sports, and in life. It is a collection of performance sportswear made to celebrate individuality and self-belief.”
So, in the immortal words of Drake, HYFR.
But, on the other end of things, Jenner has recently been seen in a clip of an upcoming episode of “I Am Cait” championing the political beliefs of Donald Trump (which arguably go against everything celebrated by H&M — or at least what their spokesperson just said).
“I think he would have a hard time with women when he doesn’t even realize it, and it doesn’t mean he wouldn’t be good for women’s issues, I think he would be very good for women’s issues,” she says to Chandi Moore. “I don’t think he’s out there to destroy women or take things away or do any of that kind of stuff.”
Then, she went on about hating Hillary, and guys, I’m not about to get into a debate on who everyone wants to see be the president of a country we’re not a part of, but I do feel very “…wait, what?!” about anyone getting behind Trump for any reason (other than to nudge him off whatever stage he happens to be speaking on).
So: why. First, why do people say anything, ever. (Because is anybody else getting so tired of everyone just saying things that make you feel tired and sad?) Second, see my first point. I’m not about to wax poetic about why Caitlyn Jenner championing the current Republican frontrunner makes me profoundly sad (though I will say at his rally this week, everyone raised their right hands in a very . . . problematic fashion), but I am going to raise the question: if the face of a brand championing equality, should their political leanings come into play?
I’m genuinely curious. Is fashion fashion? Or is it something bigger? Because I have a feeling that between now and November, politics is going to be intwined in everything. Fashion, beauty, and the reason you can find me in front of my computer yelling, “WHY.”
