Pranks and protests have been happening on the runway around the world for over 11 decades.
Pranks and protests are two different things. Pranks happen when people don’t like a brand, want attention, etc. Protests happen when people or organizations have very heavy opinion on something that a certain brand of high fashion is using, like a model, body type, fabrics, etc. Both occur often and can usually be prevented with heavy security and such, but some do manage to find their way through. When things get out of hand, they can completely ruin shows.
Danielle Clowers (11), a Hidden Valley student says, “I think that pranks on the runway are very childish and frankly quite dumb to ruin a whole show based on your beliefs; you can get seen and have your voice heard in other ways that do not ruin a show.” Like Clowers, many others agree that pranks are not the way to be seen, but others that participate and support these pranks think otherwise. During New York Fashion Week this month, YouTube prankster Fred Beyer walked on a runway in a plastic bag, right before being tackled by a supposed security guard. Being known for his pranks, it is unclear whether this prank was intentional as part of the show or if Beyer was just doing what he does. Pranks have been happening for many years in the industry. Whether they are acceptable or not is questioned.
People take part in protests for different reasons that are important to them. Coach is a very famous and iconic fashion brand. Also this month at New York Fashion Week, two animal rights activists and representatives of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), wrecked a Coach show. One walked with the models and carried a sign stating that “Coach leather kills,” and the other was covered in body paint to represent bones and skinned animals to get the leather, before being escorted off the runway. Protests like this with PETA and other organizations have been happening for over 20 years. In 2003, PETA protested fur at the Dior fall/winter show. Akeni Reyes (11), a student at Hidden Valley says, “I think that protests on the runway are a waste of time. I would never participate in a protest on a runway because it won’t change anything. There are better ways to protest than ruin a runway.” It takes a lot of intention and commitment in what you believe in to protest these major and minor fashion shows.
Runways take much more time and dedication than many people think. There are multiple minds behind the scenes and actions that are occurring that others often don’t think about, like makeup and hair artists, designers, managers, and so much more. While many agree with the message the protests are trying to get across, so much work gets put into these shows, sometimes years to prepare, and it can all come crumbling down with a single protester. Deciding to protest or prank a show takes a lot of nerve, because it is not only messing with the model and the designer, but the audience and everyone involved. It can be heartbreaking for a show that would have been perfect without the interruption.
