Michèle Lamy, “Witchcraft,” and Misunderstood Identity-Kaia

 Another modern example that connects to our class discussions about monsters and difference is Michèle Lamy, who is the wife and creative partner of Rick Owens. Many people online describe her as “witch-like” or even scary, especially because of her dark aesthetic, gold-covered teeth, and her hands, which are often covered in rings, tattoos, and gold-dipped fingers. At first glance, people might feel uncomfortable or confused by her appearance because it is so different from what society usually considers “normal.” This connects to Jeffrey Cohen’s idea that monsters are created from difference. Lamy’s hands, in particular, get a lot of attention because they look unusual, almost like something supernatural, which leads people to label her as a “witch.” However, I think this interpretation can be misleading. Instead of being something negative, her look is actually a form of artistic expression and identity. Her hands tell a story about creativity, culture, and individuality. Just like the “monsters” we’ve studied, the fear or discomfort people feel often comes from not understanding something unfamiliar. Overall, Michèle Lamy shows that being labeled as “monstrous” or “witch-like” doesn’t mean something is bad—it often just means it challenges what society expects.