Fashion is a lively world. It’s beautiful, sometimes amusing, and often a source of frustration. This year, it seems to have stirred up something much stronger: anger.
Take Sydney Sweeney’s jeans ad. It sparked a massive conversation, drawing even President Donald Trump’s attention, who called it “the HOTTEST ad.” Months later, Sweeney continues to explain her choices, which have become a subject of political debate.
Then there’s Duran Lantink, a Dutch designer who made headlines with a bold outfit featuring oversized prosthetic breasts. This look stirred such a controversy that even Megyn Kelly devoted time on her podcast to discuss it. Kelly remarked, “There will always be those who take advantage of shock value,” suggesting a pushback against what she sees as depravity in fashion.
In 2025, talking about fashion transformed into a battleground. A simple dress could ignite heated discussions online, as with TikTok users critiquing Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s style or debating Kylie Jenner’s role in a Miu Miu campaign. Even established brands like The Row have faced backlash, with influencer Neelam Ahooja publicly “breaking up” with them over perceived hypocrisy.
Candid conversations have become the norm. Designer Edward Buchanan took to Instagram, asking for respectful critiques during Paris Fashion Week, which led to discussions about who can critique fashion—experts or anyone with a social media account.
Oxford University Press named “rage bait” their word of the year, highlighting how much content is designed to provoke outrage. A recent study found that over 68% of social media users engage in arguments about fashion, illustrating the deep ties between the industry and our social conversations.
This trend of outrage can be traced back over a decade. Changes in the industry, including accusations of cultural appropriation and a lack of diversity, often arise from social media backlash. Many see this as a way to drive change, as fashion has shown it can influence public opinion.
Despite the anger, there’s a sense of freedom. Brands are creating bold statements, moving from traditional runway shows to spectacles meant for social media. Remember Balenciaga’s show with models braving a faux snowstorm? It invited everyone to watch but also sparked debates about its implications.
However, a turning point came in late 2022, when Balenciaga faced serious accusations regarding a campaign featuring children. This incident transformed how we engage with fashion, moving discussions beyond images to deeper ideas. More and more fashion figures are shifting their focus from platforms like Instagram to Substack, where discussions and critiques thrive.
Ryan Yip, a creator, noted that today’s discussions often reflect a desire for fresh ideas. With many feeling bored with the current offerings, there’s a push to generate excitement, even if it means sparking debates.
Looking ahead, there’s hope that the discourse might shift. Instead of outrage, we could explore deeper questions about fashion and culture. If we focus on curiosity rather than provocation, perhaps we can find a more engaging path forward.
For more insights into the evolving landscape of fashion critique, check out research from the Fashion Institute of Technology.
