Balenciaga Attempts to Bounce Back
Balenciaga has been at the top of recent fashion controversy for quite a while now. Most notable would be their November scandal of having children hold teddy bears styled in BDSM attire. After this, #CancelBalenciaga flooded social media sites such as Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. Even after Balenciaga’s Creative Director, Demna apologized for the tone-deaf advertisement and condoned pedophilia and child abuse, consumers continued to burn and trash their Hourglass bags and clunky sneakers.
Following said controversy months later, Balenciaga and the Kerning’s Foundation (the parent company’s charitable branch) came out with a statement on February 8th that it would start a three-year partnership with the National Children’s Alliance or the NCA. The program will prioritize helping children heal from trauma, teachings of keeping children safe and raising awareness for child abuse, and child protection to promote children having a good childhood.
While they did make a move in the right direction with this partnership, many are still skeptical of the motives behind this decision. Was it just a ploy to win the public back? Will it draw the Kardashians into their grasp? These are the questions most fashion girlies are asking themselves post-Balenciaga scandal.
Drama in fashion is very entertaining and slightly hurtful when it comes to our fave brands. Considering most fashion people idolize the KarJenners, many have been influenced to like Balenciaga because of repeatedly seeing Kim carrying around her Hourglass bag. However, now that they no longer have their muse, many are curious to see their next move.
Certain brands, such as Dolce & Gabbana, have been the face of fashion controversy for quite some time now. Yet, famous figures continue to wear their clothing. Speaking of Miss Kimberly, she has now migrated to become the muse of Dolce & Gabbana. While many may try to dismiss their terrible actions, they still somehow get prominent figures to wear their clothing. They even were the lead designers for Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker’s wedding, despite calling them “the cheapest people in the world” only five years ago. This begs the question: how much money will make you ignore such horrible things? That check has got to be bigger than we could imagine.
Another problematic brand is Alexander Wang. The brand is floating around rumors that 11 people have accused the designer of groping, drugging them, and pulling their underwear down in public. While the designer denies these allegations, it has caused many to stray away from the brand in solidarity with the high-profile models who called him out. However, stars such as Julia Fox and micro-influencers attracted to his mediocre designs continue to give the brand more attention. Again, it must be because these brands offer stars a check to be their living and breathing advertisement.
While Balenciaga may have to resort to D&G and Wang’s expensive tactics, its uncertain future has left many wondering what’s next for them as a once-powerful fashion house.
Strike out,
Emily Fiorini-Casamayouret
Boca Raton
Emily Fiorini-Casamayouret is the Senior Editor for Strike Magazine Boca. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys listening to sad music, doing some retail therapy, and eating pasta. You can reach her at emily.fiorini710@gmail.com
