Heroin Chic

A detailed Summary of Heroin Chic

The problems that face the today's society have lead to many controversial issues. This is especially prominent when dealing with the fashion industry. For instance, the latest in thing, "heroin chic", has stirred up a large amount of tension between retailers and consumers in the United States. This shortly lived phenomenon has proven itself both deadly and profitable for all those involved. This hazard involved in the pursuit of fashion is the perfect example of how fashion influences society.

Within the past two years, the issue of "heroin chic" has been mentioned with growing concern in the fashion industry. Designers are purposely portraying the lives of supermodels, such as Kate Moss and Shalom Harlow, as that of the street junkies. This trend, which is slowly coming to an end, depicts the models as being numb and sickly, instead of the beautiful people they really are. This style basically originated with the late photographer David Sorrenti. Ironically, Sorrenti died of a heroin overdose

in 1996. Sorrenti's style of photography was unique. He glorified the models through making them appear as if they were on a two-week drug binge. They were underweight, their eyes appeared to be deep set, and

Another aspect of society in which this issue of "heroin chic" claimed extraordinary harm was in the club scene. Teenage kids continued at the same rate, if not increasing, their want to be fashionably accepted. They would dress like the models, and complement the remainder of the appearance through drug use. Sue Rusche, the leader of the boycott called against Calvin Klein said, "It is quite clear to me that they are glamorizing addiction and drug use, and they are doing it at a time when kids' drug abuse has doubled in the past four years". This goes to show that the style of "heroin chic" effects all those involved.

their facial characteristics were extremely serious. Sorrenti's style soon caught the eyes of famous designers and began to revolutionize fashion.

This intense issue soon gained national attention of the presidency. Clinton's comments came after an article appeared in the New York Times about the heroin-chic style. The President stated "You need not glamorize addiction to sell clothes"(Internet). This attention put more stress upon companies such as Calvin Klein to change their ad campaign.

Although drug use may occur within the fashion industry, it is totally irresponsible to try to implant these ideas upon America's youth. Calvin Klein tries to defend acquisitions such as these by saying, the campaign is based on being yourself. However, Calvin Klein should realize that if they are going to assume the role of the leader in the fashion industry, they should assume the responsibilities that go along with this power. In the 1970's teen m

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Approximate Word count = 1066
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English