Drug Addiction And The Fashion Industry – An Unlikely Relationship Or An Ignored Norm?

The fashion industry is worth billions of dollars. You see models plastered all over billboards and elsewhere. Their beauty is on full display on the runway and all over the world.

Beyond that, there is an issue that not many are bringing up. That issue is drug addiction. In the fashion industry, it’s something that continues to exist to this day.

Where there is beauty, there might be a dark side. One of the best Infinite Recovery ideas is getting the help someone will need regardless if they are in the fashion industry or just working a regular job. We will be discussing if drugs and the fashion industry are a relationship that is unlikely or whether it’s something that’s normal and goes unnoticed.

Let’s take a deeper look at what’s going on in the fashion world and what role drugs may play.

There is a lot of pressure involved

The fashion industry is perhaps one of the most competitive out there. That’s because you have new models competing with those who have been in the game for years. The pressure that comes with this can be higher than usual.

For this reason, the use of drugs could be something that occurs on a regular basis. That’s because they need something to cope with the pressure. A model’s career is said to last about five years and the pay may not be the best starting out.

Some of them may rise to stardom in a quick amount of time. With that rise comes the increase in earnings. Some may make it and others may not.

Models may also be dealing with long days. This includes spending time with a client followed by a long day of photo shoots. It can get to the point where their busy schedule may limit the amount of sleep they need to function properly.

This may be a challenge to achieve because the powers to be want their models looking well rested and looking fresh. Thankfully, there are plenty of models that turn down drugs or substances at any opportunity. They will find other ways to cope with the pressure.

Either way, models are building a career in an amount of time that may seem small. So they need to do what they can to work for as long as possible. This could also be a reason why they would use drugs.

They are judged on a regular basis

Models in the fashion industry are aware that they are judged on a regular basis. This is mostly on their beauty. Not to mention, they are competing with others.

It can get to a point where they might be considered less beautiful compared to the other model. This may take a mental toll on them. It can even lead to them using drugs to numb the pain and pressure of doing better.

While being judged under a microscope regularly, it may seem hard to keep up. Some may even try to take the edge off using drugs. So they are more relaxed instead of less worried.

What kind of drugs are common in the fashion industry

For decades, some of the following drugs listed were common in the fashion industry. Because of this, some of the world’s best models had opened up to their struggles with drug addiction. Aside from models, even fashion designers and other important figures have also struggled.

Here are the drugs that are common in fashion:

Cocaine

Cocaine can be snorted, injected, or even smoked. For a more intense high, smoking or injecting it would be the go-to option. Otherwise, it’s snorted but it will take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes before it takes effect.

Cocaine may be designed to stimulate the nervous system to the point where they feel some kind of pleasure. Plus, cocaine is believed to give one a boost of energy and a decrease in appetite.

The latter may be considered one of the reasons why models want to keep their weight down. However it can lead to malnutrition, which can be dangerous or even fatal. 

Heroin

This opiate drug has been the cause of many drug overdoses both inside and outside of the fashion industry. It’s often injected, but it can be sniffed or smoked. Either way, it’s a potent drug that can cause a deep sensation and also help them relax. 

On top of that, it can also lower inhibitions as well. Models may be asked to do something risque and may not be aware of it for this reason. However, the addiction to heroin can also make it difficult for someone to work.

The dependency to this drug can even lead them to building a tolerance. When that happens, the chances of them overdosing are greater. Those overdoses can be fatal.

Meth

Meth can be easily abused despite being a stimulant. This can be used to treat certain conditions like ADHD. However, it can also be used to keep their weight low.

This drug can be ingested in multiple ways. It has similar effects compared to cocaine. Depending on how much is ingested, a person could be up for days and go without any food.

They could also remain in that state of euphoria for days on end. This can be dangerous even for models who are trying to work hard and keep up with the demands of the fashion industry.

Final Thoughts

The fashion industry and drug addiction may be an issue that needs to be addressed. Behind the beauty may be a dark shadow that is being cast. It’s important that the fashion industry should be aware of what happens behind the scenes.

Whether they are dealing with it or sweeping it under the rug is unknown. But there may be stories told by models past and present that may answer this question. The pressures and demands could be enough for someone to turn to drugs.

But it can have fatal consequences. It may be considered an ignored norm for the fashion industry unless something changes.   

15 Statement Clothes and Accessories Every Woman Should Own

There is simply no denying that rocking statement clothing and accessories can help you become a more fashionable dresser and a more memorable individual. Think about Iris Apfel and her amazing collection of bold oversized glasses or Hillary Clinton’s iconic pantsuits. These signature statements command attention and ensure that nobody looks away! 

Even if you’re the type of dresser who likes to blend in, rocking the occasional statement-making piece can help you breathe new life into your existing wardrobe and add some personality to otherwise simple looks. If you’re looking for some great statement pieces to add to your closet, check out the list below. We’re sure all of these items will help your looks become unforgettable!

  1. A Floral Printed Dress — Bold yet easy to style, floral printed dresses are the perfect pick for the lady who wants to infuse some style into her wardrobe without going too far over the top. Choose chic dresses in vibrant floral prints or palm prints that suit the season. The brighter the better!
  2. A Leather Jacket — Want to feel like a total boss when you step out in the fall and winter? A classic leather jacket is the way to go! Choose a genuine leather option if you’re looking for an investment-grade statement jacket. Take cues from fashion icons like Kate Bosworth and Reese Witherspoon and pair your leather jacket with some trendy jeans and a pair of statement shoes. 
  3. A Chic Sun Hat — You don’t need to be heading to the beach to pull off a wide-brimmed hat. As long as the weather’s warm and the sun is out, a straw hat will look right at home with your relaxed ensemble. In the Fall and Winter, switch to a wool felt wide brim to keep the hat vibe alive.
  4. A Printed Blouse or Two — Every collection of cute women’s clothing should include a few statement tops! Why not go with a pretty printed blouse in an eye-catching print that’s sure to turn heads? We love printed tops because they’re easy to style with jeans, pants and skirts but are still total show-stoppers.
  5. A Shimmery Skirt — When it comes to chic skirts, you can’t go wrong with something flowy and ruffled. But if your goal is to make a splash, consider stepping out of the solid-colored box and opting instead for an eye-catching fabric that will totally make the look. 
  6. Statement Sunglasses — Take any outfit from simple to statement with a pair of gorgeous sunnies. Go retro with a colorful oversized square style or make a funky splash with some large cat eyes. Regular eyeglasses can make a massive statement too — take it from the queen of statement eyewear, Iris Apfel!  
  1. A Menswear Blazer — Oversized blazers are all the rage right now, and they’re not just for office wear. When paired with a well-fitting t-shirt and jeans, this piece can give you an edgy yet authoritative look so people take you seriously.
  2. Ripped Jeans — Ripped jeans: statement piece or wardrobe basic? It depends on who you ask! But we think distressed denim can be considered a statement piece when amply destroyed and made the focus of your edgy ensemble. Pair them with some pointy stilettos or leather boots for a cool vibe.
  3. Sparkly Heels — Sparkles, studs, rhinestones! Sparkly heels take your simple dressy footwear and crank it up a few notches. Perfect for special occasions, New Year’s Eve or a sassy night out with your girlfriends, bedazzled heels go with everything yet still command plenty of attention.
  4. Bedazzled Flip-Flops — As much as we love our dressy heeled sandals and trendy slides, we still think there’s a place in the wardrobe for some flip-flops. After all, no other shoe is as comfortable and easy to slip on and off when the weather is warm. But basic flip-flops are not the way to go. Instead, opt for some sparkly or bedazzled flops that make your outfit positively sparkle.
  5. A Straw Handbag — Straw handbags are summertime statement pieces that have the unique ability to go with tons of different colors, patterns and fabrics. This makes them amazing for traveling! Go for a unique shape to play into the statement vibe, such as a round or circular option or something with a cool wooden handle. 
  6. A Sequin Sweatshirt — We love sequins, and we love sweatshirts, so why not combine the two? This is an awesome way to give your comfortable or casual looks a bit of an eye-catching overhaul without having to go too fancy. Grab a graphic crewneck bedazzled with some pretty sequins to make it pop.
  7. A Funky Phone Case — Let’s face it: Your phone goes with you wherever you go. Why not treat it like an outfit accessory and dress it in a fun, eye-catching phone case? We love swapping out our cases for the occasion, season and vibe of the moment to add something extra-special to every single look.
  8. Cowgirl Boots — Who says cowgirl boots are just for the ranch or stable? Look to the urban ensembles put together by trendy tastemakers like Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner for inspiration. These babies can be styled with simple dresses, chic denim and even bold patterned dresses.
  1. A Printed Silk Neck Scarf Tie a silk scarf around your neck and you’ll instantly feel like Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday or Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada. This timeless fashion accessory is feminine, whimsical and a little bit retro. Plus, if you go for a vibrant color or a fun pattern, it’s guaranteed to turn uninspired outfits into total statement-makers.

A good wardrobe can be broken down into two categories: core staples and fun statement pieces. Once you’ve got the fundamentals down — high-quality denim, layering tops and sturdy jackets — you can start to pepper in some fun pieces that give your outfit a one-of-a-kind twist. All of the items on the above list can help you transform practical outfits into fresh and iconic ones!

Claire’s Life: Learning About My Parfait, the First Artificial Intelligence Enabled Wig Company Wearing S by Serena

Happy Thursday, folks!

Today I wanted to pop in and tell you about Parfait, a black owned, female led, artificial intelligence enabled hair company that allows you to order the perfect wig from the comfort of your living room!

I had the awesome chance to try out their products and meet the founders at a fabulous dinner at Oceans restaurant the other day in New York.

With the sentiment that ‘black women deserve nice things,’ the group of enterprising ladies set out to create a tech company that helps solve a pernicious problem: how to find a luxury wig tailored for you. With two MIT graduates and two Wharton alums on their executive board, Parfait is poised for success! I grabbed a picture when them above, and we’re all wearing Parfait hair!

We learned more about the brand and the founders over a delicious dinner! Attendees included Kesha McLeod, Agnes Cammock, Constance White, Umindi Francis, Angela Wilson, and more!

For the occasion, I wore Parfait Hair (of course), and a S by Serena Kayla blazer dress.

I’m headed out to Dallas tonight, then off to the Bahamas for a MUCH needed vacation, lol. I plan to master my Tiki Tok skills while there. Drop suggestions below on what dance I should try first. Oh boy!

Get my dress here, my shades at KimberlyGoldson.com, and my hair at MyParfait.com!

These are all black owned brands you should know and support! Until my next adventure…

Smootches!

Images: Saleen Saleh/Salvatore Demaio

Who Is Khaby Lame: Say ‘Hello’ to the TikTok King Turned Fashion Icon!

This TikTok influencer became all the craze without saying a single word!

Born Khabane Lame in Senegal West Africa, Khaby grew up his entire life in Italy. Prior to the pandemic, he had started working at a local factory only to lose his job once global lockdowns spread like wildfire. At this point, Lame started creating videos on his TikTok account khaby.lame reacting to silly life-hacks on the internet, an act of quarantine boredom that rapidly went viral. His signature silent comedy style made him instantly recognizable and profusely hilarious!

Fast forward 2 years later and today he is the second most followed TikTok content creator, having garnered a following of close to 140 million – and that doesn’t even include what he’s amassed on instagram as well! With an inspirational story like that, it’s no wonder he has snagged a spot as a European Forbes Under 30 lister at just 22 years of age and bagged a deal with Hugo Boss earlier this year. Now the TikToker is living his absolute best life, killing it at the Cannes Film Festival courtesy of his stylists Wayman Bannerman and Micah McDonald. One thing about Khaby is he’s not afraid to push the mens fashion boundaries, be it through a technology integrated suit or bold use of color (take notes, boys!). Here are some of our fave looks from the young star at the premieres:

All looks are Hugo Boss styled by Wayman and Micah.

We live to see this young star thrive in his element! What do you think?

Images: IG/Reproduction @waymanandmicah

Balenciaga Resort 2023: The Wall Street Runway with Guests like Megan Thee Stallion, Kanye West, Pharell Williams and More!

Balenciaga did resort wear differently with the fashion house’s recent showcase in New York City this past weekend. In a glitched-out stock market on Wall Street setting, the presentation reflected the current economic climate: frantic with the foreshadowing of a recession upon us. Denma, however, refutes the idea that the collection is a criticism of capitalism. Instead, he seeks to represent it at its finest and to find the beauty within the chaos.

With this, Balenciaga’s interpretation of a power suit made its way down the runway in boxy, slouched and oversized silhouettes. A range of office and evening attire followed suit, and the final segment was dedicated to the brand’s collaboration with Adidas. Models defiled wearing latex suits that covered nearly every inch of exposed skin, contributing to the air of danger and urgency in the room.

Photo: Courtesy of Balenciaga

Photo: Courtesy of Balenciaga

Photo: Courtesy of Balenciaga

Photo: Courtesy of Balenciaga

Photo: Courtesy of Balenciaga

Photo: Courtesy of Balenciaga

In the audience Pharrell Williams, Anna Wintour, Kanye West, Offset, Megan thee Stallion, Euphoria’s Alexa Demie and Selling Sunset’s Christine Quinn were some of the star-studded spectators in attendance.

Photo: IG/Reproduction
Photo: Thomas Herold
Photo: Thomas Herold
Photo: IG/Reproduction

What do you think of the collection?

Itsy Bitsy to Full Figured: The Five Most Common Types of Bikini Tops

For those of us who love to rock a two-piece at the beach or by the pool, it’s important to know what type of bikini top is best suited for your figure. After all, if you tend to be more voluptuous, it would only make sense to reach for a bikini with a little extra support on the top. On the other hand, for our more petite ladies out there, a triangle or a bandeau top might be more fitting. However, the most important thing is to find a swimsuit that not only fits you like a second skin, but also makes you feel confident when wearing it. 

Fortunately, just like no two women are exactly alike, neither are any two kinds of bikinis. If you’re not sure what type of bikini you want to pack on your next beach vacation, then you’ll definitely want to pay close attention to these styles. No matter if you’re more on the willowy side or you have a curvy figure, there’s bound to be the perfect bikini for you out there. Here are the five most common styles of bikini tops, which means you’ll be sure to find the right one for your lovely shape!

The Triangle Top

Also known as the string bikini top, there’s something incredibly alluring about the triangle bikini top. Flirty and barely there, this swimsuit top is exactly what it sounds like. Two triangle-shaped swatches of fabric reach around to cover your chest, and they are generally held together by strings and tied in the back. While they’re not the most supportive type of bikini top, they’re definitely super cute. If you are somewhat fuller chested, however, this may not be the best bikini top for you, as it doesn’t tend to be very supportive.

The Bandeau Top

This bikini top is very similar to the tube top in the sense that it doesn’t have any straps. Instead, it’s a solid strip of fabric that wraps around your chest. The width of the bandeau portion of your bikini can vary in size, from the barely-there narrow strip to a more modest and full-coverage swatch of fabric. This type of bikini top also needs to be quite form-fitting, as it doesn’t have shoulder straps to secure it in place. If you’re going to be playing beach volleyball, then this may not be the best suit for you. That said, it’s amazing for lounging and relaxing!

The Underwire Top

It’s a common misconception that more ample chested ladies can’t wear bikinis, and the underwire bikini top is here to prove the naysayers wrong. This type of bikini top tends to be more full-coverage, and it comes with wire supports at the bottom to help keep your chest in place when you’re playing in the pool or frolicking in the waves. You don’t have to be full-figured to wear an underwire bikini, though. More svelte ladies can also wear this type of bikini top, especially if they’re planning to splash around in the water or enjoy water sports (like jet skiing or surfing).

The Halter Top

Not to be confused with the triangle bikini top, the halter bikini top is also a great option for women of all sizes. Instead of having conventional shoulder straps, this one wraps around the neck and ties at the nape. However, the cups can vary in size and levels of support, the straps tend to be on the thicker side. This means that even if you’re more full-figured, you can wear a halter top bikini without having to worry about a wardrobe malfunction. Plus, many of them come with extra padding, which can add a little extra curviness to your figure if you are more slender.

The Tankini Top

Finally, the tankini bikini top is arguably the most modest of bikini tops out there. In many ways, it resembles a conventional tank top, though the straps can be slimmer (like a camisole). These can be plunging in the front, or they can be more scoop-necked. What sets them apart from other bikini tops, though, is their length. They don’t stop just below the bosoms. Instead, they can go as far down as your navel or even down to your hips. If you’re shy about showing off your stomach, the tankini bikini top can be a great option for you!

Finding the right bikini top to suit your needs can definitely be tricky. With so many options available, it can certainly be overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure which style or cut is the most flattering. However, the most important thing to keep in mind is that you’re absolutely allowed to wear whatever style you want to wear! No matter what body shape you have, you deserve to feel confident and beautiful when you wear a bikini at any beach. And with these five options to choose from, you’ll be sure to find one that you love!

Bomb Product of the Day: Colorful Heels by Shop G Luxe as Worn by Claire Sulmers, Angela Simmons, Amara la Negra, and More!

Looking for Bomb Heels that won’t break the bank? Look no further than ShopGLuxe:

The brand stocks hot steppers in an array of colors and materials, like yellow, blue, orange, white snake, and green!

Bombshells like Angela Simmons and Amara la Negra are fans.

The best part might be the price! Each pair is a steal at $129.

Love it? Get yours at ShopGLuxe.com.

Get 15% off with the code BOMB15.

What do you think?

Inside Lil Kim’s 2nd Annual B.I.G Dinner: Performances, Red Carpet Moments Plus the Surprise Announcement We Can’t Get Over!

On the eve of what would have been his 50th birthday, this past Friday night New York City paid tribute to one of the greatest rap legends of all time, Christopher Wallace otherwise known as Notorious B.I.G. Held by Lil Kim in partnership with Pepsi and Lexus, the 2nd Annual B.I.G. Dinner Gala welcomed guests such as Fat Joe, Sway Calloway, Junior M.A.F.I.A., Ceaser Emanuel, Biggie’s children T’yanna and CJ Wallace along with many more to celebrate and reminisce at Guastavino’s on Manhattan island.

Photo: Brandon Michael
Photo: Brandon Michael
Photo: Brandon Michael
Photo: Brandon Michael

Of course, the gala came with performance of his greatest hits. On the red carpet of rap star’s birthday celebration, Lil Kim also revealed that a biography movie depicting her life is in the works and would likely follow shortly after the release of her upcoming memoire as per the NY Post! Word has it that the leading actress of choice to portray Kimberly in such a film could be Teyana Taylor.

Photo: Brandon Michael
Photo: Brandon Michael

Following the concert gala, NYC officially declared May 21st Big Day in honor of Biggie Smalls’ artistry. As his legacy lives on 25 years after his time, the Empire State Building lit up with red, white and a crown halo in memory of the Brooklyn-born rapper.

A night to remember! What say you?

Main Image: Brandon Michael

A Guide to Choose The Perfect Diamond Necklace

Are you looking for a meaningful present for your special someone? Consider looking into a  diamond necklace! It is a timeless and meaningful gift to mark your relationship with a dear one on any occasion. As the saying goes – a diamond is forever… And it is well known that it serves as a symbol of a beautiful, enduring, and eternal relationship. 

A diamond necklace, as the name might imply, consists of a chain made of precious metal, with a central diamond attached by a small loop. While looking for the perfect pendant, it is easy to get swept up in the excitement of the number of options available to buy, but it is important to carefully consider some factors before you do. In this article, let us break down the basics and dive into some tips to buy the perfect pendant.

  1. Are You Choosing Lab-grown or Earth-grown?

Given the numerous kinds of diamonds available today, it is no simple task to zero in on the best type that you should buy. Therefore, one of the first factors you should consider is whether your necklace’s pendant should be a diamond grown in a laboratory or a conventional earth-grown one. 

Lab-grown diamonds are also known as cultured diamonds. This type of diamond differs from the conventionally mined variant, as they are the products of an intricate manufacturing process. The creation of these special diamonds took the world by storm with the numerous advantages they had over earth-mined diamonds. For example, they come in all shapes, sizes, and hues, and are available at a fraction of the price that natural diamonds are. 

Not to mention, they are ethically produced, and you can rest assured that your gemstone does not support harsh diamond mining. These jewels come guilt-free, and the environment would thank you for the purchase too. However, some would still opt for the earth-grown variant as they are viewed as the more classic choice.

  1. Popular Diamond Pendant Styles 

Jewelry design trends have evolved over the decades and each design has its own distinct style and appeal. When selecting a piece of jewelry for someone else, it is recommended that you keep in mind this special someone’s general taste and leanings. Below, we explore the most popular settings and styles and look at the factors that make them appealing.

  1. Solitaire Diamond Pendants 

Solitaire diamond pendants feature a single or solitary diamond. These pendants have and continue to be a popular choice. They are often clasped with a little loop on a jewelry chain, typically made of white gold, yellow gold, or platinum.

  1. Stationary Diamond Pendants 

Stationary diamond pendants are designed in such a way that the gemstone appears to be resting on the necklace’s chain; it stays stationary and does not move around the chain. Consumers opt for this style for its effortless simplicity and minimalism.

  1. Three-Prong Martini Settings

Prongs allow the most amount of light to enter the featured diamond and reflect to the eye. As the name indicates, a three-prong martini setting pendant has delicate prongs or tines holding the stone in place to allow more of the diamond to be visible. Typically, a martini setting resembles a martini glass when viewed from the side and looks like a con with its V-shape. This setting varies from the usual basket setting as it is positioned lower. It is considered a modern style that also minimizes drooping. 

  1. Four-prong Settings

A popular choice for diamond pendants, the added security of the additional fourth prong is its largest factor of appeal; Some prefer this setting as opposed to three solely for the firm secured positioning of the jewel. Further to this, in contrast to the martini setting, these pendants resemble baskets at the base and are flatter compared to the cone variant. 

  1. Halo Settings

Halo setting pendants include a dazzling circle of smaller diamonds surrounding one central diamond. As you could imagine, this setting is popular owing to the illusion of a larger stone, and the glitz of the extra sparkle that the smaller gems provide.   

  1. Consider the Length

Chains come in different lengths and are a crucial aspect to consider while selecting as it determines where the diamond pendant will sit on the wearer’s torso. 

The most popular chain length for diamond pendants is between 16 and 18 inches, which rests anywhere between the average wearer’s neck and the collarbone region.

  1. Things To Focus on in a Diamond

It is no surprise that the quality and grade of the diamond are vital factors to consider when purchasing one, as these directly impact the look of the gem resting on your neck or your partner’s. The overall look of your diamond pendant necklace is dependent on the diamond’s high rating in, color, clarity, carat, and cut. Also, ensure that you check for the jewel’s certification. 

  1. Color

It is recommended that you try to ensure the diamond looks white in relation to its setting. Typically, the highest quality diamonds are totally colorless, while lower grade diamonds can often have a slight yellow tint. 

The diamond color s measured using a scale from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) called the color scale. This scale determines the underlying tint in a diamond and charts it all the way from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown in color).  

  1. Clarity

As pendants are worn directly in the line of sight, clarity is a key factor in diamond pendants. Review the diamond closely and carefully to ensure no visible blemishes and inclusions are present when looking at the stone with the naked eye. 

  1. Carat

The carat size you choose for your diamond pendant depends on your preferences as well as your budget. Of course, the larger your stone is, the more expensive it will be. If you are looking for a simple everyday pendant, choose one that is between 0.25-1 carat.

  1. Cut

Diamond cut quality is an important factor in a diamond’s brilliance and possibly, its most complex. The cut of your diamond is a determinant of the look of the stone as it dictates the angle at which the light hits the diamond, and this would determine its brilliance and sparkle. Paying a premium and not getting a spectacular diamond because it has light performance deficits is disappointing. To determine the best cut, an expert meticulously studies how successfully a diamond interacts with light to create stunning visual effects, such as the scattering of white light into all the colors of the rainbow. Fire, brilliance, and the amount of sparkle a diamond produces are caused by reflections within the diamond owing to the angles of the cut.

  1. Certification

A certificate would give you the added assurance of the stone’s quality and must never be forgotten. Make sure to look for a diamond with a GIA or AGS certification as these are reliable grading entities; Ensuring that your stone has this certificate helps to confirm that you get the quality you are promised and your money’s worth.

  1. Conclusion

And that’s that! Armed with this knowledge, you are all set to find your perfect diamond pendant necklace. Keep in mind the 4C’s along with the tips shared above and rest assured that your partner will be awestruck with your taste in jewelry.

Drugs On The Runway: Looking Back At The Industry’s Relationship With Addiction

Introduction:

The strangest thing about glamor is it’s addictive – the lure of endless fame, success and money. Every night on the Runway dreams become reality, models become celebrities, and designers become Gods. But what happens when the spotlight finally fades, and the after parties begin? 

The Fashion industry’s obsession with drugs is almost historical, with industry giants constantly using drugs for inspiration, naming entire collections, even shows over the same. 

Andrew Groves’ 1999 runway show, ‘Cocaine Nights’ and Jeremy Scott’s Moschino Capsule Collection are only minor examples in the long-list of designers who decided to take inspiration from drugs. 

But that is precisely what piques the curiosity – are drugs the real problem or the industry that can’t seem to stop endorsing the addiction culture?

Let’s find out. Shall we?

The Fashion Industry’s Obsession With Addiction

Let’s be honest. Drugs and fashion share a much better relationship than Bootcut denims and crop tops ever shared. 

In fact when supermodel Kate Moss was photographed snorting Cocaine sometime in 2005, she was literally taking one for the team. Because one of the worst-kept secrets of all time is how the fashion industry is fueled by Cocaine. 

One industry insider had even confessed to the British newspaper, Independent at the time, “Models use coke like truck drivers do.” 

And if that wasn’t enough, there was more. 

While one source made a problematic comparison between models seeking drugs for performance-enhancement and athletics doing the same with steroids, another sympathizer blamed the long hours and said that drugs help models “to stay awake and keep working.”

What’s even stranger is how Kate Moss’ photographs have attained an iconic status, so much so that the artist Stella Vine curated an entire artistic experience out of these photos. 

Named ‘The Beautiful And The Damned’ after Fitzgerald’s popular novel of the same name, the name is funnily enough nostalgic of Moss’ 30th birthday party theme.

Stella Vine’s Beautiful And The Damned exhibition featured four paintings of Kate Moss inspired by that one viral media photo. This is a classic example of the industry’s obsession with two things –

  • Substance abuse.
  • Treating substance abuse as a cultural experience.

The popularity of substance abuse treatment centers have only made the plea for recovering addicts stronger. 

This further probes into the intricacies of how art is viewed – a hallucinatory substance-inspired experience or a social and cultural rite of passage for newcomers and veterans alike?

Famous And On Coke: A Trend

Years ago Sophie Anderton once commented about the industry’s addiction to drugs, “Drugs are so accessible within the industry, and it is very difficult to steer completely clear of them.” 

She was perhaps right because Kate Moss definitely did not lose out on any major contracts with big Fashion houses like Chanel and Dior.

In fact, brands were probably all right with what happened to Moss. If she died overdosing on some kind of a substance, even better. Because then Moss would be an even bigger icon. Look at what Stella Vine did! That was 17 years ago. It’s 2022 and the industry still can’t get over their addiction woes!

So we decided to check out a few famous celebrities from the fashion world who just won’t end their toxic relationship with drugs.

  1. Anna Nicole Smith

Toxic relationships often have the power to end you if you don’t end the same. And that’s exactly what happened to the gorgeous Anna Nicole Smith. 

Although she had claimed all addiction rumors involving her were untrue, her untimely death in 2007 from overdose proves otherwise. 

The American model worked with several lifestyle brands in her lifetime, acted in films like Skyscraper, To The Limit, and even had her own show called The Anna Nicole Show. 

It’s always heartbreaking when substance abuse takes a life, but Smith’s denial made things only worse for her. 

  1. Alice Dellal

The British-Brazilian model also happens to be a terrific photographer. But that is not why she has appeared on this list. 

The model was only 20 when the media caught her with lines of white powder, a hollowed out tube, and an oyster card – everything that you need for snorting some coke. 

And this was not the only time Alice Dellal’s photographs were more provocative than the audience was prepared for. 

There were more like the one where she was seen wrapping coke, or the one where she is lying down on the floor after a night of hard partying. 

Has things changed? 

No!

  1. Naomi Campbell

If there is anyone more famous than Kate Moss when it comes to substance abuse then it has to be none other than Naomi Campbell.

Let’s make this clear – we don’t need to make assumptions based on media photographs. There have been way too many arrests, rehab stints, and even manager management sessions for the former supermodel. 

Campbell herself confessed that drugs were not her only addiction, alcohol was a big temptation too. She even went on record to say, “I never thought I was an alcoholic, but it goes hand in hand with the drugs. Emotionally, I was just gone.”

  1. Jael Strauss

It was certainly a moment of ‘No, not you too’ when the former America’s Next Top Model contestant was seen in Dr Phil’s show where she discussed her addiction to Meth. 

She spoke at length about how she came to depend on substances more and more while dealing with the death of a friend. 

Jeal looked dramatically different from how she appeared on America’s Next Top Model – marked-up skin, rotten teeth, swollen face, it was just too shocking to witness what long-term substance abuse can do to the human body. 

The only good thing? 

Yes, apart from teaching her how to stop smoking for good, Dr Phil was able to help out Strauss with the medical care and attention she desperately needs.

The Trope Of The Tortured Artist

The whole image of the tortured artist endorses substance abuse, depression, and emotional instabilites. It is more like a trope than a stereotype where the entertainment industry keeps endorsing the drug culture almost as a way of life. It’s almost like you need drugs for creating great art. 

But that’s not true considering all the people who managed to create artistic experiences without any performance-enhancing substances or even the ones who came back stronger after a visit to Rehabilitation centers. If there are many examples of supermodels addicted to drugs, you know what’s more? 

The number of celebrities who came back, clean and strong – from Bradley Cooper, Eminem, Robert Downey Jr. to Demi Lovato and Jamie Lee Curtis, the list is pretty long. So if you think there’s someone close to you trying to battle addiction then remember time is of essence – the earlier you seek help, the better for you. If these celebs could do it, why can’t you?