Shiny Outfits, Dark Secrets: The Fashion Industry in a New Light
When you first step into the world of high‑fashion, it’s all glitter, runway lights and those ever‑perfect models. But don’t let the sparkle fool you—behind all that polish, a darker story hides.
Why the Glamour’s Not All It’s Cracked Up To Be
- Designs that Miss the Mark – Some luxury brands have been criticized for riding the edge of taste, sending shockwaves across the fashion world.
- Controversial Campaigns – From questionable slogans to missteps that offended many viewers, a few high‑end collections sparked a public backlash.
- Even the Icons Get Sacked – The renowned Karl Lagerfeld, the man behind countless iconic lookbooks, wasn’t immune to scrutiny.
The Case of Karl Lagerfeld
Everyone knows he was a legend—one who turned whole trends on their heads. Yet, he wasn’t immune to criticism. After his sudden passing on February 19th, people reflected on both his brilliance and the moments that left them uneasy.
“He’s a legend? Sure. Did he skip a few polite lines along the way? You bet.”
What the Public Says
When these faux pas hit the glossy pages, they posted not cleanly. You’ll see outrage pouring in: public debates, social media tirades, and thoughts faster than a catwalk speedwalk.
- Fans of the high‑fashion label demand cleaner, tastier campaigns.
- Others argue it’s a matter of artistic freedom; the debate is as heated as a runway show after midnight.
Bottom Line – Fashion Is No New Zealand Law
Yes, the brand’s “fancy” cards deserve applause for their head‑turning palettes, but the behind‑the‑scenes world is a place where wit and wonder collide with controversy. Fashion still wears a harness of curiosity, but that harness should be safer and more respectful.
So next time you walk past a glossy magazine that feels a little too pristine, remember that its stories are often tangled in a web of humor, heartache, and honest critique. And that’s what keeps the industry alive—and alive enough to keep us on our toes.
Photo: Instagram/Karl Lagerfeld
The late fashion icon has definitely made his mark in the fashion industry, from revamping Fendi to being at the forefront of fashion juggernaut, Chanel. His legacy and success are undeniable.
But according to reports, he has had a long history of “disparaging fat women”. “No one wants to see curvy women,” he famously told German magazine Focus in 2009.
Upon his death, actress and body positive activist Jameela Jamil called out the designer for being “ruthless” and “fat-phobic”. Her remarks sparked a civil ‘argument’ between herself and model-actress Cara Delevingne, a strong supporter and personal friend of the designer.
https://twitter.com/jameelajamil/status/1098005640461586432
https://twitter.com/jameelajamil/status/1098254815736549377?
The conclusion? Both simply agreed to disagree.
2. BURBERRY NOOSE HOODIE
Burberry’s latest 2019 collection for London Fashion Week in February featured a rather controversial item – a hoodie with what looks like a ‘noose’ brazenly hanging from a model’s neck.
Unsurprisingly, many took issue with it.
Liz Kennedy Gets Real About Burberry’s Hoodie Disaster
Liz Kennedy, the dazzling face of Burberry’s latest runway show, turned the camera on the brand and said:
- “Suicide is not fashion,”
- “I’m ashamed to have been part of the show.”
She shared those words on Instagram in a post that left the fashion world buzzing.
The Noose Dilemma
During the Burberry spring/summer collection, a hoodie emerged that featured what many saw as a noose‑like cord. The design, meant to echo the brand’s nautical heritage, quickly turned into a point of contention.
Burberry’s Quick Take‑Back
- “We’re deeply sorry for any distress caused by this product.”
- The brand clarified that the cord was simply a stylistic nod to maritime themes, not a sinister gag.
Despite the apology, the damage was done; the hoodie became a symbol of unintended controversy.
Viewer Reaction
The internet didn’t hold back. Users expressed shock, disappointment, and a mix of humor at the irony that a fashion run‑way could inspire a national conversation about mental health.
Adding a Funny Twist
One meme even joked that Burberry was “catching the cold from the noose” – a play on words that helped lighten the mood while still calling out the seriousness of the issue.
Side Stories to Keep Your Eyes On
While Burberry was dealing with the hoodie fallout, DOLCE & GABBANA stirred up another democratic storm with a racist ad that sparked a wave of backlash. Fashion brands now find themselves not only designing clothes but also navigating the complex landscape of public perception.
More to Check Out
Curious about the full saga? Take a look at how Burberry’s noose hoodie slipped off the runway and created a seismic reaction across social media.
Dolce & Gabbana: The Fashion Show That Almost Became a Punchline
Picture this: a shiny runway in Shanghai, a buzz of cameras, and Italian models ready to flaunt the latest Dolce & Gabbana gear. Then… a video set on the line. The clip tells a giggly Chinese model how to wield chopsticks while savoring spaghetti. The vibe? A “sweet tribute” to Chinese culture. Reality? A steaming pile of controversy.
How a Screenshot Went Viral
Stefano Gabbana, one of the design masterminds, shapes the ads. Yet a hastily captured screenshot carved doubts into the fabric of the campaign:
- Harsh remarks suddenly leak onto the internet.
- Models, influencers, and hired celeb figures raked up the noise.
- Within days, the runway that was to cost a whopping S$40 million was pulled like a poorly stitched seam.
Consequences: The Eye‑Rolls Roll In
The fallout was sharp:
- Guests started dropping out of the show outright.
- Many big‑name brands (including Alibaba) moved their wallets away from the brand.
- D&G’s apology? “Stefano’s account was hacked.” The truth? It only added another wrinkle.
In the Words of the Story
When the word “blackface” rings across headlines, who else steps up? Gucci’s balaclava jumper made headlines, and the local media amplified the mishap. Together, these moments spun a cautionary tune about cultural sensitivity in a global marketplace.
What’s Next for Dolce & Gabbana?
Our take: the brand faces a long road to repair trust. Time, diplomacy, and more thoughtful marketing will decide whether D&G can return to the runway or remain in the shadows cast by this blistering reminder of the power of intent versus impact.
Gucci’s Fashion Faux Pas: A Black Turtleneck That Sparked a Storm
When Gucci unveiled a stunning black turtleneck with a sharp, red‑lined cutout during its Fall/Winter 2018 runway, the buzz was far from buzzworthy. The stylish piece—meant to echo “vintage ski masks”—read like a blatant blackface costume, especially because the drop landed right in the middle of Black History Month. That’s a litmus test for sensitivity in the U.S. and Canada.
Why the Style Hit a Red Flag
Fashionists quickly realized the turtleneck’s design echoed historic blackface imagery. Even though the brand claimed it was a nod to winter gear, viewers saw it quite differently. The “whimsy” of a cutout versus the “hurt” it caused—a double‑edged sword that left the brand in a hot seat.
Gucci’s Road to Redemption
- Alessandro Michele dropped a letter that read, “I am heartfully sorry for this hurt.”
- He admitted the turtleneck “evoked racist imagery” and that the whole ordeal caused the “greatest grief.”
- Gucci pledged to honor its promise of diversity and ensure future collections step away from unintended offense.
What We’re Hoping For
We’re cheering for Gucci’s renewed commitment to inclusivity—a move that could turn a misstep into a stepping‑stone for meaningful change. Let’s hope the brand channels that newfound sensitivity into designs that spark joy without sparking outrage.
More Controversial Catches
Gucci recently recalled a polo neck after similar blackface accusations—another reminder that design choices can carry weight beyond aesthetic.
Prada’s Tight‑Lip Trouble: Why a Simple Keychain Turned Into a Blackface Fiasco
Last December, Prada dropped a new collection called Pradamalia. The line featured oversized, thick‑lip‑shaped keychains that, to everyone’s horror, resembled a darker‑skinned caricature. The copy‑cat felt like a modern, very white‑washed version of blackface, and social media exploded with indignation.
Who Got the Picture Right?
- Chinyere Ezie – a lawyer with the Center for Constitutional Rights – wrote a fiery Facebook post condemning the brand’s cultural flop. She called it “another unsexy attempt at blackface.”
- Prada’s own response followed quickly, and the company pulled the offending accessories from stores.
- Meanwhile, pop star Katy Perry faced a similar dance of backlash when her line of slip‑on mules was accused of echoing the same style. She later apologized, saying the design was a “nod to modern art and surrealism.” The shoes were put back on the market in a rainbow of hues, but that didn’t silence critics.
What’s the Bottom Line?
I’m sure these brands are learning the hard way that cultural sensitivity isn’t a side project – it’s the core of a brand that wants to stay relevant. Whether it’s genuine cluelessness or deeper bias, the public has said “no thanks” and that’s the message loudly echoing through the fashion corridors.
Takeaway: Be More Than a Trendsetter
- Always vet design concepts for cultural undertones before selling them.
- Social media can blow up any faux pas faster than a cat video.
- Transparent apology, product recall, and a clear plan to avoid repeats will rebuild trust a bit faster.
In the end, it’s about understanding that a culture mixing or mishandle can do more harm than just a laugh. The real question now is: have we gotten it right, or are we still stumbling in the shadows? The world’s watching.
