Dysfunctions of Fashion and a Blind Eye for Controversy

At first glance, I wasn’t too sure how to take Gucci’s SS20 runway show which presented models statically gliding down a conveyer-belt runway clothed in utilitarian garb, including the use of straightjackets. Designer, Alessandro Michele, justified the show’s opening on instagram by stating that, “power is exercised over life, to eliminate self-expression,” hence the unlivliness, robotic nature of the designs. While his statement may be valid and demonstrated throughout the show, does it truly suffice for the use of a straightjacket? The fashion industry isn’t new to controversy. It begs the question, are designers indeed making statements or is it plain ignorance to our social and political climate? Here’s four haute couture moments that made me wonder...what the h*ck were they thinking?