Experimental distancing: why avant-garde fashion is beginning to feel numb – Impacter

The popular 2008 novel by Suzanne Collins and its subsequent film adaptation The hunger Games, is speculative fiction aimed primarily at teenagers. Nonetheless, a more mature reader might pick up on the social commentary offered in the storylines. At the time of publication, in a golden age of reality television, Collins’ novel – in which teenagers enter a violent televised competition – could be interpreted as a critique of shows like Big Brother.

But now there is another seemingly innocuous element in Collins’ book that needs to be considered in 2023, and that is ruling-class fashion. In the affluent Capitol, they wear brightly colored and impractical clothing, while the poor wear sturdy clothing made for use at best and rags at worst. Of course, like most other parts of the novel, this is an exaggeration meant to entertain: but in a time of global economic crisis We could seriously start to question our culture’s obsession with celebrity fashion.

“Gilded glamour?”

The place of avant-garde fashion in our society today was last questioned last year when the 2022 issue became infamous Met Galawhich was held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York was announced as “Gilded glamour.” Inspired by a period in American history that saw tremendous advances in technology and industry, Gilded Glamor was designed to showcase the dress of the United States Gilded Age (1870s-1900) with a modern twist.

The organizers have been criticized not only for celebrating a period of prosperity while Ukraine endures a Russian invasion, but also because much of America’s economic success at this time is notoriously clouded by huge ones Differences in wealth between rich and poor.

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This isn’t the only time the Met Gala and its attendees have been confronted with their ignorance of economic issues. In 2021, US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez attended the Met Gala in a dress with the slogan “Tax the Rich” is emblazoned on the back in jagged red writing.

To get a seat at a Met Gala table, tickets can cost anywhere from $35,000 to $300,000. But as an elected official, Ocasio-Cortez was invited free of charge. This led to questions about her character as she presents herself as one Vote for the American working classhowever, attends an event populated by the elite in a dress she wears claimed on Instagram was borrowed.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez made a bold statement at the Met Gala wearing a dress that read ‘Tax the Rich’ in blood red https://t.co/iHHT042y88 pic.twitter.com/vaxMYP63Sl

— Bloomberg (@business) 09/14/2021

While some praised Ocasio-Cortez, others across the political spectrum were quick to highlight the discrepancy between her performance at the Met Gala and her message. Writer David Hookstead continued to question Twitter: “If (AOC) hates the rich so much, why is she attending an event that only the richest in America can afford?”

Another user tweeted: “She’s not radical, she’s not a socialist, she’s not fighting for working people or any kind of anti-status quo fighter,” she continues, questioning Ocasio-Cortez’s political integrity given the criticism leveled at her.

The Met Gala has always been a fusion of art and fashion, so it’s not surprising to see celebrities’ eccentric outfits on the steps of the Met. It may even have become an annual ritual to scroll through article after article of Wer wore was to decide for yourself who is best dressed, who fits the topic. But avant-garde and experimental fashion with their price tags are slowly creeping into the public consciousness.

The relevance of avant-garde fashion

Fashion house Schiaparelli presented its Spring 2023 collection at Paris Fashion Week and it wasn’t so much the models on the catwalk that caught the public’s eye as the attendees – Kylie Jenner from Kardashian celebrity among them – which attracted the most attention. Jenner’s dress featured a disturbingly lifelike lion’s head on the shoulder of a skin-tight black gown and others prominent companions wore entire Schiaparelli outfits that retailed for $22,000. It was probably the singer Doja Cat who fascinated the most in her all-red outfit 30,000 Swarovski crystals covering her skin.

Doja Cat was covered in 30,000 Swarovski crystals for Paris Fashion Week. 😳 pic.twitter.com/LRBJ0NCWzx

— Complex (@Complex) January 23, 2023

In times like these, one wonders what cultural significance this avant-garde luxury fashion has.

Accordingly UNCTAD, 2023 marks one of the lowest rates of economic growth in recent history. We live in a time when inflation is at its highest in decades, in a time of increasing poverty and a lack of job recovery.

Why aren’t we angrier at celebrities in expensive, often ridiculous, outfits?

Repetitive articles about celebrity fashion demonstrate their willful detachment from everyday struggles. Perhaps for some, seeing beautiful people wearing things they could never afford and deciding it looks cheesy or unflattering is a much-needed respite.

But that’s pointless, because celebrities wear their clothes as a status symbol, too far removed from the reality of everyday life. More and more often it feels like a slap in the face or a suggestion that if we can’t afford bread, we should eat cake instead.

Editor’s note: The opinions of the authors expressed here are their own and not those of Impakter.com — In the post photo: Cover of Vogue magazine. Featured Photo Credit: Laura Chouette/Unsplash