Rick Owens, Fashion, and the Idea of the “Monstrous” - Kaia Brown

In class, we’ve talked about how monsters represent fear, difference, and things society doesn’t fully understand. I think this idea connects really well to modern fashion, especially the work of Rick Owens. His designs are often described as dark, gothic, or even “demonic” because of their black colors, dramatic shapes, and sometimes unsettling runway shows. Some people see his clothing and immediately think it looks scary or unnatural. However, I think this reaction shows more about society than about Owens himself. Like Jeffrey Cohen explains, monsters often represent what is different or unfamiliar. Owens’ designs challenge traditional beauty standards and what we think clothing “should” look like. Because of this, people label his work as strange or even evil. But instead of being truly “demonic,” his fashion can be seen as creative expression and individuality. His pieces push boundaries and allow people to explore identity in new ways. Just like monsters in our readings, his designs reveal cultural fears, especially fear of the unknown or anything outside the norm. Overall, Rick Owens’ work shows that what we call “monstrous” or “demonic” is often just misunderstood creativity.