What’s Up With Rich People and “Normal” Cosplay?
We’ve seen celebs and high-end brands repping “poor core” so many times at this point. It seems like the elite class loves Halloween so much, they use the rest of us as costumes year-round. There is something about celebs participating in middle/poor class-inspired trends that rub people the wrong way. And rightfully so, because celebrities like Kylie and Kris Jenner flaunt going to a car wash alone for the first time or shopping at Rite Aid. They believe this makes them look more “relatable.” When in all actuality, it’s painfully tone-deaf, causing us to realize how they see the regular class as almost an imaginary subdivision. This phenomenon has been going on for quite some time. Many of those from higher-income families tend to downplay their wealth to blend into normal society. Maybe it's to feel less targeted or not to be seen as a flashy dunce, which is valid. While I'm not relaying any sympathy for the filthy rich, it’s understandable to feel the want/need to fit in. You never want to feel like a fish out of water in your surroundings; we all face issues with acceptance at some point in our lives.
The thing is, this issue of “acceptance” varies when it comes to the elite class. The rich and famous don’t need to worry about being an outlier when they are included in most inner circles by default. When celebs and the elite try hard to be allied with the rest of us, it comes off as cringe. Their attempt to build a connection with the regular classes always fails because it simply doesn’t exist. Middle and lower classes face hardships throughout their lives that the elite will never think to stress over. As the wealth gap widens, it also shifts mindsets, causing the rich to become ignorant of social/economic issues based on the privilege they actively indulge in constantly. We all enjoy internet personalities that mirror our daily lives and go through the same situations. But when celebs and other members of the high class try to be “relatable,” it makes them look so out of touch with reality.
Kimye’s “regular” home photoshoot in 2019 is an excellent example of the disconnect between the elite and regular class. The shoot showcased the ex-couple posing in what was depicted as a suburban middle-class home which caused massive outrage. The two celebs posed with their children in these off-guard photos that glamorize the everyday aspects of those “below” them; from eating bowls of cereal to posing on worn-out couches, it is clear that the life of the lower class is seen as an aesthetic. To them, it is nothing but a costume they can take on or off, while for others, it is a harsh reality. Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are known for displaying their wealth on Instagram. I have watched as they shamelessly plaster pictures of themselves in Balenciaga couture and videos of their walk-in fridge the size of a standard apartment inside their 60-million-dollar mansions. For them to shoot photos like that was all the proof needed for the elite seeing a middle-lower class livelihood as artistically decorative. I mean, what other message did they believe this shoot would send other than: “We’re using this house as a prop and don’t care about the real people living like this.” Seriously, how out of touch can you possibly be?
As if it couldn’t get any worse, fashion houses have recently contributed to this “poor core” aesthetic the wealthy use to flaunt their status. Balenciaga is known for curated shock value with each of its intriguing pieces; they’re used to scandal. But this year alone, the brand has produced countless tone-deaf designs that help the rich cosplay as poor. Earlier this year, Balenciaga released the ‘Paris Sneaker’ in May, which only adds fuel to the fire with its exaggerated distressed look and ridiculous price tag. The $1,850 sneaker comes purposefully distressed with holes, rips, and dirty scuff marks. Each pair features mild signs of wear, but a limited-edition “full destruction” version exhibits even more distressing, including more tears and faux scuff marks along the sole. Within the fashion house’s past three collections, we have seen a garbage bag tote, lays chip purses, and torn sweaters. They are alluding to the aspects of struggle that those with lower incomes are subjected to. Where do we cross the line between creative expression and mockery?
Yes, I'm sure we are all well aware of art being subjective, but does it have to be inspired by someone who has no proper clothes or shoes to wear? Like the brand's shoes and other offerings, this is all just a display of wealth—proof that the owner can afford to indulge in even the most pointless of items. For Balenciaga’s privileged audience, destroyed shoes are aesthetic. In this case, well-worn shoes are not a sign of neglect but simply a fashion statement! We are now witnessing the widening gap between the wealthy and middle to lower classes. In countless moments this year alone, the rich have made no effort of compassion or self-awareness when it comes to the suffering of the less fortunate. A person’s standard of living should not be subject to fashionable adaptation. Poverty is not a trend, nor is it the inspiration for mood boards. Glamorizing demolished shoes and sitting in outdated kitchens for photoshoots reeks of entitlement and ignorance.
Strike Out,
Gael Laguerre
Boca Raton
Gael Laguerre is a content writer for Strike Magazine Boca. She’s a textbook Aquarius: super hyper-independent but also super hot. In her free time, she enjoys music festivals, writing sad poetry, and oversharing on twitter. You can reach her at lgaellynn@gmail.com.
