The year 2011 though has not created many controversies in the Indian fashion industry but hasn’t left it untouched too. The very affluent designer Suneet Varma got himself trapped in the circle of controversy by regarding Kamasutra the most celebrated Hindu text across the globe. Actually the designer made this avowal during the showcasing of his collection titled Kamasutra at the 2011Delhi Couture Week. Rajan Zed, the president of Universal Society of Hinduism wanted Suneet to act contrite in front of the entire world because according to Zed the statement was deceptive. While at the same Delhi Couture Week another two ace designer’s Anju Modi and Ashima-Leena evolved controversy during their pooled show portraying a showdown over the set. The two threw hard hitting words at each other in front of the entire fashion fraternity present at the venue. The brawl started over a jaali, Leena Singh of Ashima – Leena sought for a gold color jaali, while Anju desired her wish for a white one for the set but due to some uncertainties things didn’t fall exactly according to their expectation.
As the war of Fashion designers and Fashion weeks rages to Milan/London/New York Fashion Week clash, with Diane von Furstenberg, president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, releasing an open letter to explain why next year’s New York Fashion Week will begin a week later than usual and Milan accepting a recent proposal by the CFDA, with a few caveats. As Milan tried to completely alienate themselves from the fashion community that has been growing over the years, New York was quick to move and offered to move its dates back to accommodate the Italians. Now, it seems, the Milan Fashion Week organizers have agreed, with a few caveats though.
As we notice in the global market, the controversies were numerous times double than in India. Starting from Cheryl Cole to Christian Louboutin all fell prey to controversies in 2011. Christian Louboutin had impeached Yves Saint Laurent for implying red soles in YSL’s footwear collection because red-soled shoes were once only produced and trademarked by Louboutin. The matter was dragged to the court by Louboutin but their claim went in vain as the judgment now permits all the brands to produce shoes with red-sole. Coming to Cheryl Cole, the star too got entangled in her own signature shoe controversy. Cole’s shoe collection ranging 79.9 pound which was put on sale at the stylistpick website was rewarded back with innumerous complaints due to the terrible quality of the shoes creating a great fuss.
Controversy even spiked regarding children’s after a French fashion company was indicted of sexualizing the little tots through the launch of their loungerie range titled Jours Après Lunes. The range compile of loungewear’s along with lingerie for girls aging form four to twelve. Presenting the tots as sexy, wild and sassy, who hardly might define what is exactly lingerie created a pandemonium all over.
Whilst tons of 2011 ad campaigns by various ace labels raised a lot of eyebrows. Ranging from Mark & Spencer to Marc Jacobs to Levis, JC Penny shirt, Nivea along with many more came under a ban for their controversial visual appeal.
The 2012 spring collection ad campaign by Donna Karan which focused Brazilian model Adriana Lima along with the local Haitians raised several questions as the shadows of the locals were picturised standing behind the model. The picture was conceived as minorities showcased in the background.
