Bad Attention is Still Attention in Hollywood
We’ve all seen ridiculous fashion trends. From wavy eyebrows to platform crocs, there are many ways that one can elevate their style in order to make a statement. But where do we draw the line when a statement becomes “too bold” or even exploitative?
Recently, Kanye West and Bianca Censori took the internet by storm when they walked the red carpet at the Grammys. West, wearing all black, had Censori on his arm in a long black fur coat. Underneath it; nothing but a sheer dress.
Something felt so off about this to me when I saw their red carpet debut. Was it a fashion statement? Yes. Was it a good one? No. And that’s because something just felt off. Many viewers suggested that this was a way of Kanye using Bianca to promote him and his brand. Some even stated it was a moment of women empowerment. To me it didn’t feel empowering, it felt like exploitation. Everyone absolutely has the right to show off their body however they please. But public nudity at an awards ceremony isn’t just a bold choice.
Image Courtesy: Instagram
I have seen many crazy fashion statements from high profile celebrities in my life. However, it always makes me wonder what the motive is behind it all. Was it management's choice, a brand deal, or just an attention grabber?
Don’t get me wrong, Gaga’s meat dress in 2010 was iconic. But it wasn’t just a bold fashion statement meant to turn heads; she had a purpose behind it. Gaga was taking a stand against the US Military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. After the VMAs, Gaga said, “For me this evening it's [saying], ‘If we don't stand up for what we believe in, if we don't fight for our rights, pretty soon we're going to have as much rights as the meat on our bones.’"
Miley Cyrus in her Bangerz era was a great depiction of bold fashion statements and scandalous behavior being used to shift a celebrity's persona into a more mature image. By wearing more revealing clothes, cutting and dying her hair, and changing her style of music, Cyrus was able to successfully rebrand herself. This made a statement about how she now wanted her fans to view her as a celebrity.
Image Courtesy: Instagram
But on the other hand, we have JoJo Siwa trying to rebrand with the song “Karma,” which audiences stated it sounded like a Kidz Bop version of Miley Cyrus’ songs off of Bangerz. Sure, she might have changed her style and hair a bit, but it all felt too glitzy like the little girl off of Dance Moms. JoJo Siwa’s rebrand didn’t change her image much, and it felt like it was planned by her management team for views.
Fashion has always been a powerful tool for self-expression, but there’s a fine line between making a bold statement and seeking attention just for the sake of controversy. Whether it’s a genuine form of self-expression or just an attention grab, one thing is for sure: outrageous fashion statements will always spark conversation.
Strike Out,
Lydia Corbin
Editor: Maya Kayyal
Saint Augustine
Lydia Corbin is a blog writer, journalist, and production assistant for Strike Magazine. She is retrieving her BA in Communications. You can reach her at lydia@lydiacorbin.co or on Instagram at @lydiarcorbin.
