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Politically correct fashion?

anita

Member

I recently read about the controversy surrounding John Galliano and his anti-semitic comments. It is said that Natalie Portman decided not to wear the Dior dress to the Oscars because of its affiliation with Galliano.
This made me think: As consumers what is our responsibility? When we wear a piece of clothing does this mean that we are supporting or sympathising with the views of the particular designer/the retailer or does it just mean that we like a piece of clothing?
Would you buy JG's designs from now on? How about if you had some already, would you continue to wear them? I am curious to know what everybody thinks.

General

20 replies

Latest reply was from Isabel

Becky

Veteran

This is a thought-provoking issue. I do tend to refrain from spending money with certain retailers if I know they support philosophies/causes I oppose or if their business practices are unethical. However, I do not exhaustively research these issues. It seems very time-consuming and difficult to get to the bottom of *every* retailer's practice, so I just act in the information that I come across in the course of my regular activities. If I already own an item, I would tend to wear it unless the brand were clearly visible and/or identifiable.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Hm, the people in my circles would not be able to identify the designers I wear, so I would never feel I'm making a statement. I also buy mostly second-hand, so my money rarely supports the designers anyway. If I was in Natalie's place, constantly being asked who I was wearing by magazines and such, it would be different -- for her, wearing a piece means advertising. However, I wouldn't throw away or waste a perfectly good garment because of a scandal no matter what -- waste is just sad. And it might be a good conversation piece, giving me the opportunity to talk about the issue instead of letting the clothes speak for me.

MsMary

Veteran

I would have done the same as Natalie if I were in her place, particularly since she comes from a Jewish family. I try to support ethical business practices and avoid businesses whose practices I find objectionable (I'm looking at you, Wal-Mart), and if I were in the high-end designer market it'd be the same.

I haven't closely followed the Galliano issue, but I can imagine consigning my hypothetical Diors if I were sufficiently bothered by his remarks.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

When you are a public figure whose career depends on your ability to sell your image, then you have to consider these things. For myself, I can't afford true designer pieces so I am not too worried about it. When you get to lower end ready to wear lines, most of them have some shady business practices in one way or another.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Nathalie Portman did what felt right to her. I appreciate that. I still don't know *exactly* what Galliano said that put Dior over the edge. Sacking him so publicly is drastic action. My goodness, it's been all over Twitter for days.

There are a few designers that I won't wear, let Greg wear, or even publish on this site because of their values and philosophies. But in the same breath I might not agree with American Apparels and Diesel's advertising - but it won't stop me from visiting their store or wearing their products (I wear Diesel - not American Apparel).

Isabel

Veteran

I completely agree with MaryK. I couldn't have said it better myself. ( I am also looking at you Wal-Mart ).

There are businesses' who's opinions I may disagree with, but that won't stop me from doing business with them. There are others, however, where it is OBJECTIONABLE, like MaryK, said , that move me not to do business with them. I do it more for me than for them. My husband and I have also sold the stock of a well-performing company because of how it was treating its customers and it's executives ( yup, I read the annual reports too ).

For example, right after we invaded Iraq, I was shopping at a little local market and the owner said some horrible things about Muslims ( including some very violent acts he wanted to take out on them ). This was not just a matter of having different opinions, it was utterly objectionable and I wanted no association with him. So I never step foot in there again. Good for Natalie Portman.

medusa

Veteran

Angie, would you be willing to say what designers/brands you object to and why? I would be very curious to hear about this.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I find it very difficult to hand over my money to a designer or business whose philosophies or business practices I abhor. Dior knows that many people feel the same way, so I can understand their very public disassociation from JG. Continuing to employ him would send a message that they condone his words and behaviors.

Zoe B.

I don't know much about John Galliano and whether what he said was the rambling of a troubled mind under the influence or reflects a deeper belief and antisemitic views. But given the context that there are laws in France against this kind of speech and that he is an influential figure, albeit a very private person, I understand the reaction of his employer. I also support Natalie Portman's decision not to wear the dress because she is Jewish herself and a public figure.

That said, I am not always convinced that boycotting businesses is the best strategy a person can adopt politically (specifically in a case where a person chooses not to shop at a certain store because employees of that store make political contributions to causes the person is against). On the other hand, it seems more appropriate to not do business with the company if manufacturing and business practices or direct treatment of employees by the corporations are involved. It is a difficult and very subjective decision for sure.

But how about separating the work of the creative mind from the views or actions of that person. Would one stop watching Roman Polansky movies because of the despicable things he is on trial for? What about viewing or reading the work of his vocal supporters? Where do we draw the line? It's a tough tough call.

It is so complicated in this world of large corporations to keep track of who believes and does what. For example, the parent company of Dior also owns Givenchy, Louis Vuitton and a slew of other luxury brands. Would a celebrity who refuses to wear Dior brand clother also not ever again sip Moet champagne by association? It depends on the issue I suppose. We know that Coco Chanel is still viewed negatively by some because of her associations and the help she received from her nazi friends. I am not aware of whether she actually professed or believed any nazi doctrines, but does it matter? And if one did decide to not wear Chanel brand items, would that extend to Chanel-inspired outfits... It gets really really complicated. We have to tread carefully, use our own judgment and try to get information if possible before making any drastic decisions. Also, we should not fool ourselves that by boycotting one bad company we are better than others who don't. What about the fact that some of the biggest media corporations keep most of its creative talent on a contract basis -- they have to pay higher taxes and usually benefits are not included. Isn't this similar to the issue people have with Walmart, for example? And would those of us who don't shop at Walmart, also not watch any HBO and so on? It seems that in the corporate world it gets dirtier the more you delve into it but alas we can't become subsistence farmers and live off the grid. We have to accept that some of our pennies and dollars will support some, frankly monstrosities out there. But my general opinion is that these monstrosities are most effectively dealt with on a legal and political level (with our participation) than on a direct consumer level.

Kristine

Veteran

I don't know but I've been drooling over this certain pair of Michael Kors shoes. I recently read he uses fur in his line and will no longer buy them as I had planned.

I think the John Galliano issue is a little less clear for me. I admit I only saw a blip on the news, but as I recall he was intoxicated. I'm not saying that makes it ok, maybe he was revealing his true self, but a drunken comment is different than an intentional business decision (to use fur for example).

It's also less relevant to me personally because I'll probably never be able to afford anything Galliano designs. Well, maybe now I will (snort).

Isabel

Veteran

Zoe, you make some very valid points. They really point to the fact that nothing is so black and white. I don't think that anyone was judging others who don't boycott. I re-read the posts and I don't think that anyone was saying that. I was simply speaking for myself, as I said, it is more for me than for the company or Galliano.

I simply cannot explain to my children why I would continue to do business with someone who has now been shown to condone ethnic cleansing - and who apparently has been making such comments for years, sober. Just like the local grocer who made terrible comments about Muslims. I am also a strong believer that just because one is brilliant, it doesn't excuse abhorrent behavior or attitudes. It is not about making a drastic decision, but rather a personal choice. I agree that there might be a mental health issue, then he needs compassion and treatment, not a continuation of the same old, same old. If it is that visible, and he feels so safe and appropriate making those comments, it is very hard to claim ignorance or confusion about his stand.

For me at least, the political contributions are a different story. That is a matter of opinion. I don't want to disassociate with people who have a different opinion. We own stock in a company in which the CEO is a huge contributor to a different political party. I have no problem with that. I believe all the political parties in the country are basically decent. There is a difference between personal opinion and hatred and wishing for ethnic cleansing of a peoples. There are few people that would claim that mass extinction is simply a minor difference of opinion between people.

It IS very complicated and almost nothing touches our lives that isn't somehow traced back to some king of exploitation somewhere. You are very right on that ! I try to do what I can with what is most imminent in my world. You are right, I don't want to be a subsistence farmer. But we also can't do business as usual while we put politicians on the block to do something for us, instead of us. It needs to start somewhere with someone. ( Think of all those brave people that instead of waiting for authorities to do something about the Nazis, instead hid Jews in their homes. )

I also believe that consumers do make a difference. After years of backlash, Nike changed their policy on using child laborers overseas, their CEO, changed his tune and sales skyrocketed.

And yes, I don't watch anything by Roman Polanski. Also, I used to be a HUGE Def Leppard fan. Then the lead singer, Joe Elliot, beat the heck out of his girlfriend in LA right before a performance on Jay Leno. Though he was arrested, the police released him because they didn't want it to affect Leno's show. That ended my love affair. I think of it as disengaging from toxic people until they can prove that they are longer toxic to me or others.

MsMary

Veteran

I'm with Isabel. And I might add that I absolutely refuse to subscribe to the idea that if one can't completely solve all the world's problems, it's best to do nothing at all. One does what one can.

(I don't watch Roman Polanski OR Woody Allen any more!)

Lena

I agree it's a complicated issue (not specifically J.Galliano, but generally looking at brands and who and what is behind them).

I hope I'm not stepping on Angie's toes by mentioning this. I remember she mentioned D&G, and from that moment on I've studiously avoided this line (even though I've seen some attractive affordable pieces).

Lena

MaryK, I happen to agree about Roman Polanski and Woody Allen (although I wasn't a fan of their work to begin with). But how far do we go - I remember seeing a list of celebrities who signed a petition in support of Polanski. I was unpleasantly surprised to see so many people I've admired.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I've been following the Galliano fall out on various media outlets. The only Dior I own are some old cosmetic items. I am disappointed because I believe he was supremely talented. But I also believe "In vino veritas", in wine there's truth. If he didn't believe it at some level then it would have not come out while he was drunk. I will think twice before stopping at the Dior cosmetic counter. But also the damage has be done, and he has been sacked.

DanaLynn

Zoe- I appreciate your thoughtful comments although I do not agree entirely. It is an argument I hear often, that the complexity of the issue allows you to ignore it. If you can't bring yourself to boycott HBO than you might as well shop at wal-mart.

I hear this argument a lot because I am a vegetarian. People love to point out how I'm not perfect. One of my favorites is that I eat red dye- which is often insect based. I like diet cherry coke. Anyways, people like to point that I am eating a dead animal and to them that some how forfeits the fact that I'm eating a salad instead of a steak. Or that because I eat eggs I might as well have some chicken. I don't think that the small sacrifices I make for my beliefs are negated because I can't be perfect.

Just because it is complex doesn't mean you can't act on what information you do have. Don't get me wrong- I am certainly not making any assumptions about you- you sound like a very conscientious consumer. I just think that you might be careful of your rhetoric- it can misread as an excuse to do nothing.

To answer the original question- I absolutely use my power as a consumer everyday. Money makes the world go round- I try to spend mine thoughtfully. If I was in a position to buy couture, I certainly wouldn't buy his.

Maya

Veteran

DanaLynn, I too am vegetarian and understand what you mean 100%.

There is a big, huge gap between doing nothing and doing everything we can. As mere mortals we have to pick our battles and just do our best.

That said, I can appreciate the art even if I don't appreciate the artist. I don't believe in "doing nothing," but I think there are other things to do besides boycotting, which is rarely productive.

Zoe B.

I'm sorry my post came out the way it did -- I was really asking those questions, I didn't mean to say I had the answers, or to be argumentative, if that makes sense. The part about people taking action or inaction and then feeling good about themselves -- I absolutely didn't mean that this attitude was expressed on this thread. This point just seemed connected to the issue, in my head at least, then got lost I guess my husband is right that I tend to ramble and jump from one thing to another without any logic.

Isabel

Veteran

Anna, I couldn't agree more. Maybe Dior was a bad example because they acted swiftly and decisively. So I don't believe, personally, that I would now stay away from Dior cosmetics or any of the Arnaut companies.

ANd, YES," in vino veritas". It is amazing what we do when we just let our inhibitions go. And sometimes we just think that we are being funny or witty. But I have heard reports that he has actually been making comments like this ( sober ) for years - THAT bothers me. But it is a moot point, he is out.

DaniLyn , what a FABULOUS point !! It really is easier to point out others' flaws in their philosophy than to examine oneself. VERY insightful. That really hit a chord with me because I try to be introspective and not expect of others what I cannot personally be - and that is perfect.

I think that it also points toward moderation. If we all did a little, it adds up to alot.

Maya, I can appreciate the art too. But I cannot appreciate special treatment or dispensation for abhorrent behavior because of superior talent or position.

Isabel

Veteran

Oh, Zoe, I totally forgot to address you , sorry !!

You brought forth very interesting and valid points to a discussion!!!!! That is what I LOVE about this site. You really shine the light on the difficulty of all this. Itis truly ying and yang - impossible to separate the two. When I read your post, in fact, what came to mind immediately was when I watched the Al Gore's documentary, An Inconvenient Truth. Every time they showed him thinking or going from place to place, he was in a car or plane ( I realized that the real inconvenience would've been to use a rickshaw ) !!! Yet the only way to get the message across was to do what you are asking people NOT to do ! YIKES.

As Voltaire wrote , we must tend to our own garden.