Golden Goose Sneakers and Wired Headphones: Is Fashion Glorifying Poverty?
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Back in 2019, Vogue published an article titled, Forget AirPods—Bella Hadid is Bringing Back the Humble Wire Headphone. This piece was met with harsh backlash from social media, with users responding with the fact that wired headphones never went out of style, especially for those who can’t afford the Bluetooth option, which retail at a whopping $249. Despite facing mockery from the public, Vogue published yet another article just two months ago titled, Dua Lipa Artfully Accessorizes with Wired Headphones in which the signature Apple wired headphones worn around the popstar’s neck were once again labeled as “humble.” Why is it only when celebrities embrace cheaper alternatives that it becomes trendy?
Image Courtesy: Golden Goose
This phenomenon is not a recent development. Founded in 2000, the Luxury footwear brand Golden Goose is often criticized for embracing this craze, referred to as “poverty chic.” Despite some products retailing for upwards of $1,700, Golden Goose sneaker’s trademarks include pre-dirtied soles, scribbled writings, and even duct tape. When met with criticism from the public for glorifying poverty, Golden Goose has responded by arguing that wearing their sneakers capture a “signature, worn-in, preloved” or “grunge” vibe. One release, in particular, featuring pink sneakers with ripped laces and silver duct tape, was said to be created to “pay homage to the West Coast’s rich skater culture.” Many fashion critics and professors have defended the Italian brand stating, “They are supposed to look worn and personal […] sentimental or ‘loved,’ which makes them seem more authentic, more real, less artificial.” The question is: can we equate these sneakers to other popular trends such as ripped jeans or distressed clothing?
Many people are not buying it and would have to disagree. Many point out that Golden Goose is distastefully capitalizing on poverty-related suffering, as not being able to replace dirty or broken shoes has led to bullying in their experiences. The same can be said after the release of the AirPods in 2016. I can recall a time —shortly after the release of the signature wireless, Bluetooth headphones —when wearing wired headphones quickly became “uncool.” However, the attempts made by fashion magazines and high-fashion brands to be relatable make previously “poor” or “lame” instances appear trendy or desirable to those who can afford it.
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Other notable celebrities, such as model Lily Rose-Depp, have been spotted sporting the classic wired headphones, and understandably so. Wired headphones are affordable and, honestly, much less easy to lose than your average AirPod. Personally, I don’t find the root of the issue to be in the decision of celebrities like Bella Hadid or Lily Rose-Depp to wear wired headphones. The obsession and fascination deriving from fashion and lifestyle magazines or brands like Golden Goose when it comes to glamorizing cheaper or “poorer” alternatives, or those that appear so, is when it becomes an issue. In a time where the wealth gap and income inequality continue to increase, for many, wired headphones or dirtied shoes are not a fashion statement, it’s the only option.
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Strike Out,
Writer: Jayna O
Editors: Breanna Tang & Lexi Fernandez
Graphics: Olivia Glatzer
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