Jocelyn YihComment

Vetements

Jocelyn YihComment
Vetements

There's a certain allergy to slogans and streetwear.

Or simple logo t-shirts and unjustifiable underwear, for that matter.

Especially to the misogynists who have provoked feminist fashion, of which dates back to that Chanel protest in 2014, or Maria Grazia Chiuri's first collection at Dior, and, more recently, Prabal Gurung's Fall 2017 New York Fashion Week 'T-shirt Series' power feminist finale.

In realistic context, however, no matter how committed one might possibly be on the spectrum of feminist advocacy, the justification for feminist fashion is of considerable debate. How could a Β£490 cotton t-shirt that represents the inclusion of such political movement compare to championing another which, quite bluntly, says 'The Future is Female' (as seen on Bella Hadid at Prabal Gurung).

On the opposite side, aside from mild thoughts of threat and menace, feminism remains as equal a movement as it is a repellant.

People's reaction to slogans are often more interesting than the product itself: how would society regard a t-shirt that says, 'The Future is Male'/ 'We should all be masculinist'.

Besides the many seasonal drops, limited edition deadstocks that one must cop, streetwear may well be the most profitable in the sector with its ability to amass small production of niche designs to feed a hungry audience.

All at a much more affordable price tag. 

The sweet scent of streetwear has attracted major controversial collaborations, tapping into major labels such as Louis Vuitton and Supreme, Adidas and Yeezy, and everyone's favourite Vetements

So extreme have the pressures of creativity pushed towards the creative duo Gvasalias that most recent collections involve a stinging satire on reality and a collection made entirely of collaborations with other brands: Alpha Industries, Carhartt, Champion, Dr. Martens, Levi's (to name a few).

And whilst Vetements may just be the most head swirling case for intellectual property lawyers, or motivation for this semester's module, the guys at The Fashion Law have voiced otherwise

To the heralding of such slogans, here's to wishing they'd light my Spring, or as an enticer to stares, laughs, or both.

Photography & Words / Jocelyn Yih

Clothing / VETEMENTS