Oil spill? It’s a fabulous fashion opportunity
Says Nick Roberts* A fashion shoot in the latest edition of Italia Vogue, drawing ‘inspiration’ from the Gulf oil spill, is currently causing a bit of a stir across the fashion blogosphere and beyond. And that is of course what it was designed to do…
No doubt some will argue that the shoot is a valiant attempt by the fashion industry to draw attention to current events while still helping people look fabulous. Others will undoubtedly take offence at what they see as cynical exploitation of a disaster that has wrought environmental havoc and threatened the livelihoods of thousands.
In reality of course, this is just the latest move from a fashion industry looking to provoke a reaction, gain some column inches and get people talking.
Being remarkable and standing out from the crowd is everything in fashion, and the shoot has certainly succeeded on that count. People are now talking about Italian Vogue and no doubt that was the intention. I just wonder whether, in among all of the controversy, the clothes the models are supposed to be showing off are going to get much of a look in?
*Nick Roberts, associate partner, Thinktank International Research
