Throughout history, fashion has always been used as a catalyst for change. With avant-garde garments and carefully conceptualized pieces, fashion has truly become an art form. It has continuously been used to make a statement — to provide a visual commentary for relevant social and political problems. Due to this, fashion weeks are one of the only times in which artists are able to showcase their work in an environment where it isn’t seen as strange or off-putting. This being said, Dolce & Gabbana’s Ready To Wear (RTW) runway show during Milan Fashion Week, was a punch in the face to the integrity of the medium.
Dolce & Gabbana has recently been trying to reinvent itself by inappropriately using pop culture references and phrases. As they say, “There’s a time and a place for everything,” and a hand-painted Dolce & Gabbana purse on the runway is no place for the phrase “All I need is love and wifi.” Point blank.
Image via @dolcegabbana on Instagram
This is not the only heinous offense Dolce & Gabbana must be held accountable for, unfortunately. Also appearing in their Fall/Winter 17/18 show was a set of graphic t-shirts featuring the one and only teen heartthrob Justin Bieber. There is only one small issue with this, and it is that the last time I checked Forever21 wasn’t Haute Couture. Albeit, this was for the F/W Ready To Wear line, but it’s still unacceptable. This Italian fashion house has built its name and legacy around its beautifully crafted and intricately designed garments for decades, and frankly, it’s sad to see how low they’ve fallen.
Image via @dolcegabbana on Instagram
The third and fatal flaw, Dolce & Gabbana are currently selling a pair of $1,195 leather sneakers with phrases such as “I’m thin and gorgeous,” and “I love pizza, pasta, and music,” and “So fab!” it’s like Dolce & Gabbana is stealing the drawing-on-your-converse trend from the proverbial fashion prison that is seventh grade. Yikes.
Screenshot via us.dolcegabbana.com
Dolce & Gabbana has taken the concept of “re-branding” a little bit too far. I completely understand the necessity of bending with the times in order to stay relevant, but Dolce & Gabbana has run the risk of tarnishing its reputation and the integrity of Fashion Week as a whole.
Oh how the mighty have fallen.
Written by Alijah Webb