| DENIM DAY |
There will never be an excuse for any sort of crime. Do not let Denim be a “jeans alibi” for sexual assault. Have you ever wondered about the background story for Denim Day? Here’s what we found on the internet. Let’s dive into one of the most educational stories in the fashion industry.
The background of Denim Day
In Italy, 1990s.
The Denim Day story begins in Italy in 1992. An 18-year old girl was raped by the 45-year old driving instructor who was taking her to her very first driving lesson. He took her to an deserted road, pulled her out of the car, removed her jeans and forcefully raped her.
She reports the rape and the perpetrator is arrested and prosecuted. He is then convicted of rape and sentenced to jail. Years later, he appealed the conviction claiming that they had consensual sex. The Italian Supreme Court overturned the conviction and the perpetrator was released. A statement from the Court argued that because the victim was wearing very tight jeans, she had to help him remove them, and by removing the jeans it was not rape but consensual sex. This became known throughout Italy as the “jeans alibi.”
Enraged by the verdict, the women in the Italian Parliament launched a protest wearing jeans on the steps of the Supreme Court. This protest was picked up by international media which inspired the California Senate and Assembly to do the same on the steps of the Capitol in Sacramento. Patti Occhiuzzo Giggans, Executive Director of Peace Over Violence, saw this in the media and thought everyone should be wearing jeans to protest all of the myths about why women and girls are raped. Denim Day in Los Angeles was born. The first Denim Day in LA event was held in April of 1999, and has continued annually since.
Today, as part of the fashion industry, we want to take action by wearing tannin to combat victim blaming and educate others about sexual violence. To support freedom of dressing and to speak out for women's equality.
Girl’s Monday is introducing you a series of Denim collections. Pick yours to stand with us.
02050283 LARGE POCKETS DENIM SHORTS 🛒 BUY HERE
The sold-over 1000 pairs denim shorts. Made of stretchable denim material, comfy and hip hugging design. Practical and timeless cutting for your first choice.
02050464 TRI-BUCKLES RAW EDGE JEANS 🛒 BUY HERE
This pair of jeans features a high-waisted cutting to show off the slender legline and visually looks taller. A must-have item for daily wear.
01300005 LACE ON SLEEVE DENIM JACKET 🛒 BUY HERE
The fake two piece washed denim soft jacket. It gives you a super comfy wear and non-stuffiness. Featuring lace stripe on the sleeve and the back of the jacket, delicate and elegant look. It comes with small pearl beads buttons, one of its pretty feature. Buckle down back slit design, adorable and showing an elegant vibe. Your must-own jacket of all time.
01012495 RHOMBUS PRINT DRAWSTRING WAIST TOP 🛒 BUY HERE
The best-selling rhombus patterned denim top that you regret not having. The casualness and exclusive design that you can only find on Girl’s Monday.
02050466 FLEXI WAIST WHITE WASHED JEANS 🛒 BUY HERE
The one-size fits all jeans you will definitely fall in love with! Made of light washed denim fabric. Super stretchable waist design, suitable for different figure types. Straight pants cutting, casual and bottom flattering.
02060580 BUTTONS STRAP DENIM DUNGAREE SHORTS 🛒 BUY HERE
Looking for different style? How about owning this dungaree? Featuring soft washed denim cotton material. Loose and straight pants design, buttons available on shoulder straps to adjust length. Bermuda shorts length, foldable shorts hem. Own yours in no time!
"She always dresses sexy like, her personal life must be really messy. She must've done something to get raped."
Do these words sound familiar?
The victims are instead subjected to all sorts of questioning and secondary victimisation. What we should be thinking about is no matter what the victim has done, they should not be treated in this way!
Women have the right to express themselves in what they wear and what they think, and this should not be criticised or used as an excuse for others to commit crimes. Remember: whatever we wear should not be the cause of sexual assault, nor should it be used as a justification for the perpetrator.
World Denim Day is a reminder to speak out against social injustice and to correct the unreasonable criticism and stigmatisation of women. Girl's Monday invites you to join us in supporting the freedom of dressing with "Wear Denim Against Sexual Assault", and to wish for a freer world, and for women's equality.
Last but not least. To support this special day, Girl's Monday invites you to join us at Girl's Monday Malaysia Facebook page for a giveaway event and support the feminist equality campaign. For more details, please visit the event post.