From romanticizing poverty to a weird photoshoot with children, Balenciaga is a shady brand.
Warning: This article contains some content that may be triggering to certain audiences.
Balenciaga is one of the leading brands in the fashion industry. Creating trendy shoes, ready- to wear clothing, and wacky pieces that scream "trolling", Balenciaga is cemented into both streetwear and luxury fashion. But from romanticizing poverty with a pair of sneakers they created to a weird photoshoot involving children, Balenciaga is under fire.
The Beginning
Cristobal Balenciaga founded the luxury fashion house in Spain. At the age of 11, he learned sewing from his mother. At 12, he furthered his knowledge as a tailor, pattern cutter, and couturier, a fashion designer who manufactures and sells clothes that have been tailored to a client's specific requirements and measurements. He did not like the idea of ready-to-wear garments and preferred to create pieces that were perfectly tailored.
He was known to not enjoy fame. He was named "fashion's Picasso" due to his strong opinions on couture vs ready to wear.
Mr. Balenciaga was a very talented and skilled designer. He took pride in making quality items that were not mass-produced. Well now we're in 2022, and that is far from the Balenciaga we know today. I am certain that the talented designer would not be happy with how the brand is today...
Present Day
Balenciaga shifted more into streetwear in 2017. They launched their notoriously known "sock shoe".
Following the sock shoe, there were following releases that did not seem like something even worth buying...
They glamorized and romanticized poverty by creating these sneakers retailing at $1,800+
A trash bag-inspired purse for $1,790...
And a potato chip-inspired bag seen on the runway for $1,500...
At first, one could just say Balenciaga was taking risks during this new era of fashion. But it was their latest campaign that changed everything...
The Latest Controversy
Balenciaga's latest campaign was shot by photographer Gabriel Galimberti. Galimberti is known to shoot children with their favorite toys. But this photo shoot was weird, to say the least, because it included children holding teddy bears dressed in bondage gear, something we all know is meant for adults.
When internet sleuths began digging deeper, Balenciaga's campaign also included copies of documents referring to a case involving even more inappropriate things with children.
I'm confused as to how this was cleared.....
In the background of this photo is a book by the artist Michael Borremans. His art is mysterious too.
Michael Borremans
The Aftermath & My Final Thoughts
After many people, news outlets, and blogs called Balenciaga out on their behavior, a swift "apology" followed. They stated that these themes were not intentional, it was the photographer's fault, and they were suing the production company, North Six, for $25 million.
Comments