With Women’s Rights Under Threat, Award-Winning Graphic Designer Costa Uses Fashion as Tool for Activism

“My father, Elias Costa, has always had a skill for visualizing and building things from scratch… His resourcefulness and hands-on approach to creating left a lasting impression on me back in Bermuda. But I’ve also been inspired by designer Gérard Paris-Clavel's philosophy of utilizing images and art to produce political effects and that’s influenced my approach to art and activism, evident in my fashion show called, ‘If You’re Not Angry, You’re Not Paying Attention.’ The belief that art can be a powerful tool for social change resonates with me, inspiring me to use my platform to address pressing social issues and advocate for change.”—Activist graphic designer Mackenzie Costa

Mackenzie Costa’s design work has always been attracting attention.

Back in her native Bermuda, she managed the creative process for a celebrated book, "Extraordinary Stories from Phenomenal Girls,” bringing a combination of her design skills, creativity, and a deep understanding of the non-profit's visual identity.

Now, she recently earned a Gold Award in the Advertising & Design category in the prestigious 2024 NYX Awards for her work on the “Solitude in Motion” project, with enthusiastic Costa explaining, “By translating complex concepts into visually compelling narratives, graphic artists can create a lasting impression on audiences.”

Additionally, her fashion show, ‘If You’re Not Angry, You’re Not Paying Attention,’ was a vehicle for varied elements of activism, like women’s reproductive rights. While all the designs were labors of love made by screen printing, hand sewing, cutting, and dyeing, each piece of clothing served as an everyday and wearable protest, emblazoned with memorable quotes, including: "Stop the War on Women," “Your Silence Will Not Protect You,” “Keep Your Laws Off My Body,” and “Queer Rights are Human Rights” among others.

Moreover, the four fashion show collections, which each featured three outfits per collection, addressed not only feminism and abortion rights but also climate change, queer rights, and Black Lives Matter. Costa further explains: “The designs were all connected to specific social and historical movements throughout history and the people who spearheaded them. Not only was the runway itself an act of protest, but the garments also served as wearable protest material that could be utilized off the stage, and be used as everyday clothing.”

Costa, who describes her style as “bold, experimental, and playful,” also recently earned a Gold award from the 2024 Vega Digital Awards and a Silver design award from the 2024 MUSE Creative Awards. Her growing list of professional credits include: creating a poster for Just influencer Things, a film by Arden DiManno that was a finalist and an “Official Selection” at the 11th ARFF Barcelona International Awards; working on initial key art concepts and marketing strategies with The Refinery team for campaigns for Netflix, HBO, Hulu and Amazon; working under the creative direction of designer Hila Klein at Teddy Fresh, and, contributing to various design projects, including apparel graphics and merchandise concepts; working as a freelance graphic designer for Super Evil Genius Corp, a full-service marketing and branding agency, specializing in the music, spirit, and beauty industries; along with creative work for Tenstorrent in the tech industry, and, for Wend Collective and the Quiet artist-led community.

From films, books, and promotional campaigns to posters, clothing and more, award-winning Costa can contribute to any type of design project: “Specializing in the fashion, music, and entertainment industries, I bring an intimate understanding of contemporary aesthetics and design trends.”

Graphic designer Mackenzie Costa talks about the power of fashion and art to move people.

—What was the goal of your fashion show?

—The title "If you're not angry, you're not paying attention" has been attributed to several writers and activists over the years, and I was inspired by the title’s sense of urgency to provoke thought and action. The feeling of helplessness is what often intimidates people from adjusting their lifestyle to help others which is why I paired the fashion show title with “Just because you can’t do everything doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do something” by Earl Nightingale.

—How can fashion reflect and even drive social activism?

—I created a collection of garments made entirely out of thrifted pieces to emphasize the importance of utilizing more sustainable and ethical practices in the production and distribution of clothing. Then, for me, I saw clothing serving as a visible means of communication, enabling individuals to express values and initiate conversations about critical social issues. I draw inspiration from Grapus and designer Gérard Paris-Clavel, employing clothing as a form of art integrated into action to evoke political effects. Through striking imagery, provocative themes, and thought-provoking messages, I sought to challenge conventional norms, spark conversations, and inspire action in everyday life. I also wanted to challenge the prototypical notion of what constitutes a fashion runway and the detrimental, elitist beauty standards associated with them by highlighting individuals of all backgrounds, identities, shapes, and sizes. I am critiquing the concept of not only fast fashion but its distribution in a capitalistic, consumerist society. Additionally, I allowed the 12 models to keep the outfits I designed for them to wear beyond the fashion show.

—And how do you use art to help activism in different areas?

—Through fashion and visual art, I challenge patriarchal structures, promote reproductive justice, and advocate for women's autonomy and bodily autonomy. Focusing on feminism and abortion rights in my fashion show was essential as Roe v. Wade was overturned and in light of the increasing threats to women's reproductive rights. In addressing climate change, I emphasized the deceptive language used by major companies, particularly regarding claims of "becoming net zero," which often lack substance. For queer rights and Black Lives Matter, I featured quotes from inspirational activists throughout history. These four topics are essential to me as they represent ongoing, unresolved issues that require systemic change.

Drop in on Mackenzie Costa’s eye-catching portfolio site.