Statements about Kanye West’s ‘Yeezy Season 3’ collection have been circulating online and in social media feeds. But these definitely do not compare to Anna Wintour’s trivial comment, referring to the collection as “migrant chic”.
I am sure you have seen the numerous memes while scrolling through Instagram. The memes mimic the street wear line as “hobo attire”. This label isn’t as much of a shock to the system, as when one of the most power held icons in the fashion industry, Anna Wintour, identifies the line as “migrant chic”. Keeping in mind that this is the same woman who stated that “Fashion is not beautiful, neither is it ugly. Why should it be either? Fashion is Fashion”.
A little ironic and somewhat contradicting, right?
I mean, Okay… I do agree, the torn-up sweaters, washed-out neutrals and khaki greens do kind of throw off a hobo chic vibe. Although one thing that is more contradicting than Anna’s comment would be the price of these clothing pieces. I have never came across a ‘hobo chic’ sweater for $2,600 a pop.
People who attended Kanye’s premiere show at Maddison Square Garden described the street wear line as “Relaxed, yet bold and unapologetic”. Hundreds of models showcased the apparel, ranging in ages, races and shapes, and making no eye contact as they stood in a structured position. The models were styled in rib-knit body suits, above the knee socks, crop tops and military style jackets.
I think it is clear to say that all loose comments and labels that have been thrown around about the collection don’t quite have the same jolt as when Anna Wintour makes an insensitive remark. Although, the Guardian reports that the Vogue Editor acknowledged her statement, “I apologise if my remark was offensive in any way. The migrant crisis is real, and I didn’t intend to trivialize that issue.”
No loss to Kanye, as Anna obviously hasn’t heard the news that what she is referring to as “migrant chic” is now replacing the clean cut street style aesthetics. This can’t be bad, as designers are challenging the norm and reducing the standard of always looking tidy. I say props to Yeezy for making his indirect statement that it is in-fact stylish to sport the torn up look.
