What do y'all think about the Balenciaga SS23 & Adidas collab "teddy" controversy?

[Swanky]

Bears repeating!

We'd like to leave this thread open, but political conspiracy theories, among other comments need to stop. Discuss the topic only please, let's keep the discussion open and all responses to others need to remain respectful.

Also, let’s stick closely to topic, it really helps preventing tangents and drama.

 

[Shelby33]

I'm so sorry you had to go through that.
I was just going to post about the expression on that little girl's face. Not even fear, just hopeless resignation.

I want to add, I am not saying anything happened to the girl in the photo. But out of all the pictures they must have taken, I think it's strange that they would choose this picture to use.

 

[ILP]

It is annoying to watch these celebs and so-called influencers dumping/burning their Balenciaga items on social media for attention and “likes”. Instead, they should sell these things and donate the profits to a cause that helps children who have been victimized - like a non-profit that supports victims of child trafficking. And they should “influence” others to do the same.

 

[LuxLover19]

It's disgusting! How could so many masterminds let this happen? What's wrong with this world? I have never supported Balenciaga and WILL NEVER support this house. Not like anything they make look appealing to me

 

[trippinonsunshine]

The ad’s edgy quality and artistic polish might be what people in the future remember about this image.

And if so, we have learned nothing -that would be a terrible, terrible tragedy.

 

[trippinonsunshine]

I want to add, I am not saying anything happened to the girl in the photo. But out of all the pictures they must have taken, I think it's strange that they would choose this picture to use.

They were clearly going for a certain look - these shot were the aim. What I'd like to know is how did they approach that photo shoot to obtain this type of look. The photographer/designer meeting to discuss same or however this would be normally done...What role did the parents play in achieving this outcome? How were these particular children selected? I am sorry I don't think these parents should be absolved, nor the talent agency.

 

[Brooklynite]

People who aren't even involved in the shoot are being harassed and accosted. Friends of demna, those who aren't even associated with Balenciaga anymore, celebrities who were there pose and look good, etc. There have been cases with the stores and client services too. A friend notified me of heightened security at some locations because of this. It's going too far. Retail employees, who literally just sell the merchandise (and not paid the best imo), are being harassed. They already have to deal with exacting clients and unrealistic sales goals. Why are people doing this?

Isn't it Demna or Kering's fault? If there is one person who stands up like a man to what he/she believes, show up, explain, and take accountability. All of the big shots are hiding, and this is why everyone is looking for an answer.

It's 100% on the offending party which is Demna/Kering.

 

[Coco.lover]

It’s awful but I’ll still continue to use the bags I own.

 

[chloehandbags]

They were clearly going for a certain look - these shot were the aim. What I'd like to know is how did they approach that photo shoot to obtain this type of look. The photographer/designer meeting to discuss same or however this would be normally done...What role did the parents play in achieving this outcome? How were these particular children selected? I am sorry I don't think these parents should be absolved, nor the talent agency.

Somebody said that they were the children of staff members, rather than models as such, but I obviously don't know if that is true, or not.

 

[jay_que_lyn]

I'm sure there's info that has been put out there that I haven't heard about yet, but I hopped on fashionphile yesterday because I was curious about their pricing. I didn't see any drastic drops in their pricing. I haven't seen companies say they're ending their relationship with Balenciaga.
It's not the first controversy a fashion house has had and it won't be the last. But I can't help roll my eyes at this.
considering this was a ad campaign vs how many companies that violate labor/human rights and no one bats an eye because the items are affordable. Like, really? People don't seem to mind the kid in underdeveloped country working all day, not going to school for a small amount of money because those sneakers and fast fashion, cell phone items are so cool? OK then...

I know this is incredibly cynical POV, but ultimately I think it'll pass.

 

[jay_que_lyn]

I agree. Because of the ad and their other subversive ideas I actually plan to buy more of their goods. Apparently unlike the other fashion houses at least their team can do sociopolitical commentary better than anyone else.

If folks want to toss their Balenciaga goodies to the curb please DM me and I will gladly take all of your Balenciaga collection via post or FedEx

Sorry YSL.

right?! accepting Balenciaga donations here LOL

 

[SB Bag Lady]

I’m not going to let some “influencer” or Fox News tell me what I can & can’t wear. I’ll wear what I want, including Balenciaga. Cancel culture is so lame.

 

[ccbaggirl89]

I agree. One can be edgy and challenge the cultural metanarrative without wounding others. Some might say, "no child was harmed in this ad." Maybe they were not immediately wounded physically, but once we start introducing the idea that children belong in sexual messages, expressed in their different forms, we are systemically hurting them short and long-term. No one ... I mean no one should sexualize a child. That has severe, long-term, and deep psychological consequences. When society sexualizes children, it harms them greatly. We are all sexual beings and we express it in different ways. Balenciaga can be edgy in challenging the sexual metanarrative, without involving children.

Exactly. If you swap out the children used in the ads and insert adults -- would any of this be an issue? It's the use of children that bothers me and nothing else about the ad. The ad is still not my personal style or interest but it wouldn't have mattered at all -- their use of children to sell this more adult theme is my issue.

 

[trippinonsunshine]

I'm sure there's info that has been put out there that I haven't heard about yet, but I hopped on fashionphile yesterday because I was curious about their pricing. I didn't see any drastic drops in their pricing. I haven't seen companies say they're ending their relationship with Balenciaga.
It's not the first controversy a fashion house has had and it won't be the last. But I can't help roll my eyes at this.
considering this was a ad campaign vs how many companies that violate labor/human rights and no one bats an eye because the items are affordable. Like, really? People don't seem to mind the kid in underdeveloped country working all day, not going to school for a small amount of money because those sneakers and fast fashion, cell phone items are so cool? OK then...

I know this is incredibly cynical POV, but ultimately I think it'll pass.

Two wrongs do not make it right.

 

[maxxout]

How is the art market itself, i.e., art when it enters public spaces and commerce, any different? If you substitute the word "art" in the above for the word "fashion" the comments are still correct. Art is a commodity. The problem with this campaign isn't about whether it's art or not--it doesn't get a free pass, period, because of social norms.

The difference between fashion and art is that fashion is made for the market from the very beginning.
Art, true, art, is made from a deeper personal place without concerns for the marketplace. Art enters the marketplace as a commodity after that.

 

[jellyv]

T

The difference between fashion and art is that fashion is made for the market from the very beginning.
Art, true, art, is made from a deeper personal place without concerns for the marketplace. Art enters the marketplace as a commodity after that.

This I agree with, which is why I mentioned the art market, meaning art when it's tied up in commerce. The same romanticization and storytelling surrounds art every bit as much as it does other branches of creative effort, inc. fashion marketing. Talk to open the wallet.