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With feminism on the rise, you would think that people would be more sensitive about the things they say and do, especially when presented publicly. Sadly, this isn’t always the case and we found some evidence to support it.
Paris Fashion Week is supposed to be a celebration of the art of clothes. Some designers are even taking it up a notch by injecting social commentary, like casting models who aren’t the norm. As happy as we are to see these, some brands are also taking so many steps back. One in particular is Thom Browne. During the Spring 2019 ready-to-wear show, models walked the runway in colorful and printed clothes but that isn’t what caught people’s attention. What was shocking is how the models looked like symbols for oppression. Some were bound while others had masks on with the mouths sewn shut. Yeah, not subtle at all.
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According to WWD, Thom Browne didn’t address this issue. “He didn’t say a word about it. The preview was all talk of extreme proportions, trompe l’oeil, complex pattern-making, and fabric embroideries.” As expected, Diet Prada pointed out the huge problem with the show, “In an era where Women’s accusations are consistently doubted and dissected at every step, this showing reads as tone deaf.” Some of you are probably thinking that maybe Thom wanted to make a statement against it with the clothes, but Diet Prada continues, “If this was somehow a response to end the silencing of women, it missed the mark.”
This collection came at the worst time possible. Women are already struggling to advocate feminism, and some are even faced with hate when coming forward about sexual assault. Fashion shows like these just fuel what is wrong with our patriarchal society. WWD added, “The models couldn’t speak. They could barely move. They were there purely as decoration.” And that is a perfect example of what we want to move forward from. Instead of being progressive with his fashion, Thom took so many steps back.
As a woman and a feminist, it is disheartening to see issues like this. However, I am also thankful for brands like Fenty, Michael Kors, and Chromat showing better representation of women during fashion week.
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Photo courtesy of Thom Browne’s Instagram account
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