A recent PEN America study revealed that the 2023-2024 school year saw the highest number of book bans, with 4,218 titles banned. 

Of those, 36% featured people of color, and 25% included LGBTQ+ individuals. 

These censorship efforts threaten to erase already limited representation of these diverse voices.

This isn’t just a dress. It’s a statement. A middle finger to the forces that tried to make these stories disappear. Every banned book cover stitched into the fabric represents a voice they wanted to silence—but couldn’t. This dress is proof that words have power, that stories endure, and that no one can dictate what we are allowed to read, think, or wear.

The New York Public Library is partnering with writer and performer Julia Fox and designer Wiederhoeft for a campaign to raise awareness about book bans. Fox’s boundary-pushing fashion, combined with Wiederhoeft’s design, will transform the NYPL into a runway, amplifying the message to Fox's diverse, influential audience.

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Art Direction: Kyle Ursin 𓇼 Copy Writer: Claudia Wasielewska