Punks often wear safety pins as a fashion statement. The safety pin became associated with punk fashion in the 1970s, particularly in the UK. Pins were used as a decorative element and to fasten clothing in unconventional ways - they often held together torn items that were actually torn on purpose. But the safety pin also took on political symbolism.
Safety pins were adopted as a symbol of punk for several reasons. Punk culture is closely linked to a "do-it-yourself" ethos. Punks often created their own clothing and accessories, modifying existing items to suit their style, and safety pins were readily available and easy to use. Punks embraced the idea of being non-conformist. Safety pins were used to symbolize a rejection of conventional fashion standards.
Adding to the distressed and rebellious aesthetic, the safety pin was sometimes used as a statement of solidarity with various social and political causes. Safety pins have become a distinctive and recognizable aspect of punk fashion. They remain iconic symbols of the subculture.
The making of the Maison Margiela Artisanal safety pin dress worn by Miley Cyrus to the Grammys 2024.
Designed for her by Creative Director, John Galliano, and constructed in the haute couture ateliers of the Maison, it took 675 hours of craftsmanship, using 14,000 safety pins.