Some clothing brands want you to look good. Lingua Franca wants you to look good and start a political discussion at brunch.
Founded by Rachelle Hruska MacPherson, the New York-based label built its identity around hand-embroidered cashmere sweaters and sharply worded slogans. What began with playful references to hip-hop eventually took a decidedly political turn following the 2016 election, transforming the sweater into something of a wearable protest sign—albeit one considerably softer than a picket sign.
Lingua Franca’s Resistance collection has featured phrases such as “Power to the People,” “Love Trumps Hate” and “Nevertheless, She Persisted,” giving fashion-conscious activists a way to make their opinions impossible to miss. The brand says it has raised more than $1 million in cash and in-kind donations for causes it supports.
The political messaging isn’t merely decorative. Lingua Franca has tied individual products to specific organizations and campaigns. Its “Don’t Agonize, Organize” sweater, for example, donates 10% of sales to Vote.org, while its broader Resistance initiative has directed portions of sales to charities chosen by customers.
The brand has also partnered with other fashion companies to turn accessories into political fundraising vehicles. A 2024 collaboration with MZ Wallace, for instance, supported the League of Women Voters, with 100% of proceeds from that collaboration donated to the organization.
Of course, there is an amusing contradiction baked into the whole concept: nothing says “fight the establishment” quite like a luxury cashmere sweater. Critics have questioned whether expensive political fashion can really speak to the masses. But Lingua Franca’s answer has essentially been: perhaps not—but it can raise money, start conversations and look fabulous doing it.
In an era when everyone has an opinion, Lingua Franca has figured out how to embroider yours directly onto your chest.
