fashion & politics

UmmLila (Lisa)

This is an interesting piece on a recent Balenciaga show that did a pivot to focus on the Russian war against Ukraine. (The link should get you around any paywall.)

https://www.wsj.com/articles/b.....t=mnt0105u

As I read it I had mixed feelings about such a show --- yes, to reminding the world that fashion can have principles; no, to dressing people like refugees in garbage bags; and back and forth throughout. There was a comparison to the famous Alexander McQueen show on the Scottish highlands.

Ultimately, I conclude that if artists are allowed to tackle difficult topics, gain publicity and sell their work, so can fashion designers.

2 years ago

General

6 replies

Latest reply was from Bijou

Joy

Veteran

Thought provoking.

2 years ago

Runcarla

Veteran

This sent me down the rabbit hole of old McQueen and Westwood runway shows…

2 years ago

kkards

Veteran

Interesting and thought provoking. I think the fact that the label was founded by a political refugee and more relevant, the current designer is/was a political refugee, put this a very different light.

2 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Yes, have to say I also have mixed feelings, the same mixed feelings. I think it will be meaningful for Ukrainians seeing it now, for other refugees who are reminded, for fashion which shouldn’t turn a blind eye… but also then garbage bags as luxury - that’s a bit of a lead balloon.

2 years ago

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Very interesting. Yes, it does make a difference that the designer was a refugee himself. I would separate the issue of topicality in fashion shows, which I do think is appropriate and I do appreciate, and the glorifying of clothing that people wear for lack of choice (homeless chic is what I have in mind). But it is not clear cut in either case.

2 years ago

Bijou

Veteran

I believe that clothing can be a form of art and/or a political statement. I found this more a political statement rather than art but perhaps art is like beauty, it depends upon the eye of the beholder. Regardless of whether it is art or not, I admire the intention behind the collection.

For me, the McQueen Highland Rape collection was Art. Lee McQueen at the height of his powers. It is hard for any collection to come close, most others that attempt such statements appear gimmicky by comparison (alas leather garbage bags fall into this category for me).

2 years ago

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