"Star Wars"-inspired clothes used to be so limited, and in most cases, only cosplay participants could pull them off at special events. There were not a lot of choices for women back then, but due to the popularity of the movie franchise and with the opening of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" on Thursday, big fashion brands and other designers are jumping on the bandwagon by releasing their own wearable collections.
"We [women] were lucky to get t-shirts made for us five years ago," said Ashley Eckstein, a "Star Wars" fan and voice actress for "The Clone Wars," according to Mashable. Eckstein created Her Universe, a clothing line for the female "Star Wars" enthusiast, which features shirts, sweaters, skirts, dresses and leggings inspired by "the Force."
"Half of all Star Wars fans are women, and the reality is that these items are being made because fans want them," Eckstein elaborated.
Esteemed fashion designers like Cynthia Rowley, Diane von Furstenberg and Timo Weiland, among others, have collaborated with costume designer Michael Kaplan, Disney and Bloomingdale's to release clothes that are also "Star Wars"-inspired, according to Elle. The sales of the merchandise will benefit the film's Force For Change charity.
"The dress I have created for the Force for Change charity event is a long sleeved double georgette gown with an all over print inspired by Gwendoline Christie's character Captain Phasma, it has been great fun designing the dress whilst helping to support the Child Mind Institute," said designer Giles Deacon.
Force For Change's current advocacy is with UNICEF's Kid Power program, which promotes fitness and health among the youth, according to its FAQ.
Shoe brands are also profiting from the movie's revived popularity, with Irregular Choice and Japan L.A. releasing collection of fancy "Star Wars" footwear. Even makeup brands like Cover Girl are in on the fad. The company has released limited Dark Side Lash Styler, a mascara that promises "400 percent more corner-to-corner volume for full, fanned-out lashes," according to its product specifications.
"Star Wars is fashion forward, all it means is that it's going to become a more accepting environment and less and less female fans are going to be bullied for just being who they are," Eckstein concluded.
