Surely, by now, you’ve caught on to the “bow trend” taking social media, runways, and everyday outfits by storm.
There have been endless think pieces about “hyper femininity” and over a million TikTok videos posted under the hashtag #coquette, as little pink ribbons are tied around everyday objects.
But UK band The Last Dinner Party doesn’t really care about that.
In fact, they’re using the trend to do a little good.
The group — comprised of five young women and non-binary folks who met as English literature students in Brixton — has been called “the UK’s hottest new band” by the New York Times, and has a reputation of “pissing off the right people,” per Rolling Stone.
Its members — Abigail Morris, Georgia Davis, Emily Roberts, Lizzy Mayland, and Aurora Nishevci — have just begun their whirlwind tour, starting in Canada and the United States this Spring.
While their tunes are full of “gothic,” “indulgent,” and “decadent” indie rock sounds that certainly tap into a delicious element of feminine rage, kindness is still at the forefront of their tour.
Earlier this week, the band took to Instagram to announce a give-back initiative that will accompany their North American shows.
“Good folk of America and Canada! We extend our deepest gratitude for your gracious hospitality as we embark on this month-long shindig,” they wrote in a caption.
“In the spirit of reciprocity, we unveil our newest endeavor: Ribbons For Provisions, a pursuit along our North American voyage.”
The photo accompanying the post includes a bundle of ribbons in bright, effeminate colors, with a script font printing the band’s name.
“Join us as we unite with local food banks in each locale. Bring forth a donation, and in return, receive a token of our esteem — a cherished ribbon to adorn and share,” the caption continues.
Upon each show day, the band also promised to share the food bank that they’d be supporting to their Stories, with a link sharing the most sought-after items to donate.
Audience members with donations then get a small token of appreciation, which — these days — can be tied into very special currency: a dainty bow.
Fans — who skew in a demographic of mostly young women — flocked to the comments to share their enthusiasm to support the cause (and collect their extra-special piece of merch).
“Well done guys,” one commenter wrote. “A really thoughtful initiative that I’m sure will do really well.”
“Love this,” another wrote. “I’ll be there with food to share.”
Many other comments expressed similar sentiments: “What a neat idea.”
Some food banks they’ve supported so far are City Harvest in NYC, and Grandma’s Love in Brooklyn.
This also comes on the heels of a recent benefit concert that raised £15,000 for UK-based nonprofit War Child, which works to protect the rights of children in areas of conflict like Gaza and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“We urge you to continue to donate to causes like these,” the band wrote in a social media post following the concert. “Links are always available at our merch tables, so if you buy some merch, consider also contributing to aid funds.”
The Last Dinner Party is certainly not the first band to use its platform for good, joining the ranks of Olivia Rodrigo, whose Guts World Tour is donating to abortion funds and women’s shelters throughout North America.
Taylor Swift also made headlines in 2023, as she quietly donated to food banks throughout the country during the first leg of her monumental Eras Tour.
But as The Last Dinner Party — with viral hits like “Nothing Matters” begin their own ascent to worldwide recognition, a small, meaningful project like this has the potential to make a real difference.
After all, when asked about the themes of their music — which often confront patriarchy, or illustrate elaborate, theatrical stories about Roman emperor Caesar Augustus (yes, seriously) — the band made it clear to the New York Times that while aesthetics are important, they make way for something even more meaningful.
“This isn’t just corsets,” Morris told the Times. “It’s Trojan horse pop music.”
Header images courtesy of The Last Dinner Party/Instagram
