The power of 'ridiculous' fashion
What do Balenciaga platform Crocs, Gucci’s human head and the Jacquemus petit bag have in common? In addition to gaining a ton of hype from the media, they all also look ridiculous.
Image: Shutterstock
In pop culture, the most recognisable icon for wearing these ‘absurd’ items could most possibly be Lady Gaga. From the infamous meat dress, Alexander McQueen defying gravity platform heels, to her iconic bow hairstyle—you name it. Just like the three items mentioned above, Gaga’s statement items in her early careers also garnered a lot of reaction and backlash.
Usually, these absurd pieces appear in haute couture collections. No one expects normalcy in haute couture. Everyone expects out-of-the-box, jaw dropping designs—or perhaps, the weirder the better.
In the age of social media, absurd pieces are becoming more apparent in ready-to-wear collections. A prime example is Gucci’s baby dragon or human head in its Fall 2018 collection. In this instance, the models hold a head, shaped exactly after their face and hair, down the runway. Memes aside, if we focus on the detailing put into these pieces of work, we’ll find out just how fascinating the craftsmanship is.
On the runway, ridiculous or absurd items are often used to complete the look. Unlike lectures and seminars, fashion designers do not get to stand on a stage and explain their story: it is instead conveyed throughout their collection.
For instance, take Rick Owens. In his Spring 2020 collection, some models wore what Vogue called “Fritz-Lang’s-Metropolis-esque headgear and strange protrusions”, which hung from their waists. While Owens’ collection is by no means plain, the grand accessories used to finish his looks are a projection of his personal life.
The internet can joke around and create countless memes about ‘ridiculous’ fashion, but the fact is that these items bring intangible value to the fashion house. The jokes give designers more exposure while further emphasising the idea that ‘only cool people get it’. In turn, brands and designer capitalise on the free publicity.
The world’s tiniest bag made its debut on American singer Lizzo’s arm when she attended the American Music Awards in late 2019. Since then, the Valentino micro bag has gone viral.
Image: Jacquemus Le Petit Chiquito bag
Additionally, there is the Jacquemus Le Petit Chiquito bag. Priced at $270, the 5.3 cm x 4.3 cm bag doesn’t fit anything but a few coins. Yet, it is sold out at Farfetch and Moda Operandi, and is carried by high-end retailers like Net-a-Porter and MyTheresa.
While these pieces don’t serve as functional items, it certainly showcases the designer’s artistic expression and innovation. As ridiculous as these items may look, one thing is for certain: they look good on the stage and are made for show.
Ridiculous items capture the attention while ready-to-wear collections keep the sales afloat. After all, what’s fashion without a little bit of madness and imagination?
With that being said, make no mistake that there is a fine line what we constitute as beautiful. Those that cross this fine line, we believe, are a waste of material and should probably never be produced again. Try searching thong jeans and (hopefully) you’ll agree.