Jeremy Scott has never been one to stray from controversy: you remember the whole shackle sneaker debacle. Well, he decided to stir up the fashion industry once again with his “Arab Spring” Spring 2013 collection. If you’ve been keeping up with your current events, then you know that the Arab Spring is a relatively recent movement, named for the wave of demonstrations and uprisings that started in December 2010 in Egypt, Libya, Yemen, and several other countries. With tensions still brewing, Scott’s theme was more than relevant, and the designs played on the topic in playful ways that might be construed as a tad offensive (no surprise there) with niqab-esque veils flowing from fitted caps to a cropped blouse covered in dozens of mini gold guns.
Though most of the Middle East is characterized by rather modest dressing, Scott decided to touch upon the decadence and luxury of the rich and powerful in the region, which is one of the many underlying reasons for the start of the Arab Spring. Blue python print covered bandeau tops and knee-high boots while chain prints uplifted everything from mini skirts to men’s tracksuits.
The animal prints continued with leopard, croc, gold metallic zebra, and giraffe.
The collection really shined with the introduction of some of the offering’s sexier designs. Gold metallic bandeau and bra tops, sheer printed trousers, and a see-through sequin jersey dress on Sessilee Lopez were definitely some of the raciest looks, though not necessarily the most functional. Will anyone be bold enough to wear them? I can guess that Kat Graham and Nicki Minaj will take them for a spin.
Jeremy Scott literally pushes boundaries for a living and his outlook is quite refreshing in an industry where many take themselves far too seriously. Only bone I have to pick with this collection is that the subject matter is so serious and touching upon it is such a statement that it almost seems as if he is making fun of the momentous events that have happened in the Middle East and their significance on the global stage. If he is going to be a designer that goes against the grain and addresses real life issues in his designs then I am all for that, but he will certainly come up against more scrutiny if he continues to play around with such sensitive topics.
What do you think?
Images: Style.com
September 13, 2012 7:46 pm
Love it this is what fashion should be fun fearless and daring and I love the ethnicities on the runway not all black or all white
September 13, 2012 8:16 pm
Why do I feel like the inspiration for this show has everything to do with today’s life crisis… little hood in there too lol I like it!
blackandolives.blogspot.com
September 13, 2012 8:52 pm
Praise the lord for Rob Evans and all his sexiness *sigh*
September 13, 2012 9:16 pm
There are a few pieces that are dope. The others get an eyebrow raise!!!!!
September 13, 2012 9:26 pm
Über wack. hated it.
September 13, 2012 9:46 pm
I loved the collection. While some may call it offensive, think about it. Is he really trying to offend them or bring light to the major situation that I’m sure most people at NYFW are ignoring? I appreciate the awareness.
September 13, 2012 10:51 pm
The only question I have is why is Sessilee Lopez not a supermodel? Like, wtf? Look at her. She literally burns through the camera. SMH @ some of these wack models getting more work than her. I don’t get the fashion industry at times. That’s all.
September 14, 2012 12:21 am
I’m not feeling the imitation hijab… The purpose of the hijab is to cover the body and face so that you make seek the woman’s inner beauty, rather her outer. His hijabs are see through with half naked chicks under them. Sometimes you have to respect stuff enough that you don’t try to imitate it for fear of disrespecting it. And I’m not a muslim…. I’m just being honest.
September 14, 2012 1:20 am
And the Rihanna’s of the world rejoice.
September 14, 2012 6:40 am
Rihanna would rock most of these looks hard. She’d really give them justice. And S/N: Rob Evans is so fine! Lol
September 14, 2012 8:34 am
Too bad the Arab Spring is over…
September 14, 2012 9:33 am
LOVE IT. I can see myself using all those shear bottoms as cover-ups.
September 14, 2012 10:10 am
Beautiful Men….Why do the hats fit so poorly? A Back bun and the approriate size would have shown them off a lot better.
September 14, 2012 11:14 am
hmmmmm….@brebre. Agree.
September 14, 2012 11:15 am
It was a good show but bad collection. very H&M for Versace meets Rocawear 2003.
September 14, 2012 5:50 pm
Wow !! so artistic. The 16th pic pants is on fire !!!!