Ava DuVernay's "small sign of solidarity" with Muslims

Filmmaker dons gown made by designer from Lebanon to protest immigration ban

It seems like the red carpet has become the it place for Hollywood A-listers to telegraph their political stances from. Award-winning filmmaker Ava DuVernay also decided to make good use of the platform at Sunday's Academy Awards, choosing to wear a silver gown made by a designer from a "Muslim-majority country," reported Refinery29.

Ava didn't opt for any accessories that made blatant political or social comments. Instead, she picked a gown from Ashi Studio - a Lebanese brand based in Beirut - because she wanted to wear "something by a designer from a Muslim-majority country."



The Selma director took to Instagram to reveal why she had chosen to wear what she wore. She posted a shot of herself on the red carpet with the caption, "A small sign of solidarity."

The dress was Ava's way of subtly criticising US President Donald Trump's immigration and travel ban, which she has spoken out against previously too.



While the dress may not have been the prettiest one on the Oscar's red carpet, but it's great to see Ava and other celebrities using their high-profile status to communicate their social and political beliefs, especially during these politically-fraught times.

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