The American fashion designer, Rick Owens, who sparked global controversy with his Autumn Winter 2015 collection SPHINX, rolled out on runway by models showing their penises and testicles, has now responded to the uproar. “I pass classical marble statues of nude and draped figures in the park every day, and they are a vision of sensuality — yes, but also of grace and freedom. As a participant in one of our most progressive aesthetic arenas, am I not allowed to use this imagery? Is it only appropriate for a Michael Fassbender movie? I thought this might be an interesting question,” he told Women’s Wear Daily in an e-mail. Having been influenced by fear and shame growing up,” Ownes loved the idea of putting a more loving energy out there whenever he can. “We all know that runway looks aren’t meant to be taken literally, they illustrate an ethos. I would like to present a utopian world of grace free of fear and shame,” he said.
What’s the controversy: Last week, Rick Owens showcased his AW 15 collection at a men’s fashion week in Paris. The fashionistas world over were shocked after they found models’ genitals peeping out from the holes in garments around the crotch. The designer is known for making bold clothes. However, it was believed that male genitalia was never presented so openly on any major runway. The designer was accused of ‘vulgarity’ and ‘male objectification’. The show immediately led to a Twitter uproar with hashtags such as #rickowens, #dickowens, #freethepeen, #peenonblast and others began to trend.
(We are posting blurred images of the fashion show because we believe you must see the collection as it was meant to be seen and discussed. In no way, we intend to sensationalise this matter or hurt feelings of readers. You can post your comments below)
