From the horrors of Gaza to the demise of the greenback, when the world is in turmoil we often turn to the comparatively fun, frivolous nature of fashion and beauty as a way to forget our troubles.
Usually designers and artists are willing to comply by providing us with goods and images that satisfy our desire for denial – Dior’s “New Look” anyone? Not so this past year.
At Chanel’s Cruise Collection 2009 pistol-shaped heels adorned shoes, while Viktor and Rolf protested with their Fall RTW 2008 collection. Also making a statement was jewellery designer Ted Noten with his Lady K 4/7 Bag - an acrylic Prada handbag with a gold-plated, flower engraved gun cast inside - recently seen at the Design Miami fair.
Intentionally timely or accidental serendipity? Either way, these images do make us meditate on the state of the world outside our little square. And ironically, they make us think twice about wearing them. Well, they make me think twice anyway - I care not for demonstrating the night away over a few Molotov cocktails or nasty shooters, if you know what I mean?