Joe Bromley comes face-to-face with fashion’s up-and-coming phenomenon, exploring raw beauty, a resurgence of allure, and a selection of bold viewpoints.
“Dare we insinuate that women should cease to exude boldness and allure after they fulfill certain societal milestones, or give birth?” An exhilarating conversation with Megan Fox takes an unexpected detour toward feminism and personal liberation. The Hollywood star’s highly-publicized romance with American rapper Machine Gun Kelly has been a soaring topic of obsession. Yet, at the age of 36, the mother of three has experienced her fair share of criticisms, some originating from antiquated societal norms. “Why should a woman’s allure diminish after childbirth? Such biased perceptions are deeply rooted in a misogynistic society, and it’s high time we abandon these notions,” Fox asserts.
We communicate mere days following Politico’s leak of a potentially devastating Supreme Court document aiming to eradicate the 1973 Roe v. Wade verdict in the United States, jeopardizing women’s abortion rights. Yet, it is a layer of patriarchal control that doesn’t seem to stir Fox. She admits, “I seldom venture into the virtual reality of the internet.”
“By great fortune or mishap, I chanced upon recent news headlines whilst attempting to make this call. I am, however, largely ignorant about the current affairs engulfing our society. Nevertheless, I am in no way in favor of sacrificing any women’s rights,” she states. Her avoidance of news channels appears deliberate. “Choosing ignorance over anxiety-inducing reality has helped improve my life’s quality. Crucial issues, if significant enough, naturally seep into my otherwise isolated world. The strain and over-stimulation the internet often offers are avoidable modern-day ailments.”
For Megan, news may be out, but the allure of nudity is ever-present. “The pinnacle of my fame by far was in 2009,” reminisces the actress, recalling the whirlwind of the second Transformers press tour. Her roles in cult classics such as Transformers, Jennifer’s Body, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles established Fox as a fast-fashion muse, eventually leading to her latest fashion collaboration with Boohoo. Just as Fox envisaged, the new collection is a bold and daring celebration of raw beauty. Pieces from the collection encourage wearers to showcase their fearless “body confidence”.
A word of caution, though: the glamour of the clothing industry comes with its significant carbon footprint. Fast fashion, specifically, contributes to roughly 8% of global emissions and generates around 40 million tonnes of textile waste. Consumers are discarding clothes worth £140 million each year. Despite cheap, in-season trends, the fashion industry is under scrutiny for ethical negligence, including allegations of low-wage labor, strenuous work hours, and hazardous working conditions. Boohoo, the company Fox is collaborating with, is no stranger to such controversies.
Crucially, Fox recognizes these qualms surrounding the fast-fashion industry and even anticipates counterarguments. She argues for the affordability and accessibility the brand provides. “Thinking back to my younger self, I could hardly afford clothes that superstars like Britney Spears were wearing. I appreciate brands that create affordable replicas for people who crave that red-carpet sensation,” Fox says, deflecting anticipated backlash for promoting fast fashion. She candidly admits her inability to appease every critic, fearing her responses might inadvertently offend those deeply invested in the fashion process.
