Rammstein at Fashion Week: Why editor Hannah is in pain during this parade

Opinion

Rammstein at Milan Fashion Week
Why fashion editor Hannah is in pain during this parade

Roberto Cavalli label uses a Rammstein song at its latest fall/winter fashion show in Milan. Fashion editor Hannah wonders: How the hell did this happen?

Milan Fashion Week is in full swing. As a fashion editor, this means peak season for me, because my day-to-day work naturally involves following the new shows closely. One show that cannot be missed at Milan Fashion Week is Roberto Cavalli. An Italian label that is as legendary in the fashion world as Versace or Prada. While the collection, which was presented on Wednesday evening, February 21, 2024, leaves me rather unmoved, it is the song selection that just won’t let me go. At the finale of the show, loud rock music and – to my shock – the unmistakable voice of Rammstein’s lead singer Till Lindemann. Last year, serious allegations were made against Till Lindemann for abuse of power and sexual assault.

Rammstein at Roberto Cavalli’s fashion show: How can this happen?

Roberto Cavalli is one of the most famous labels in the world. Since its founding in the 1970s, the fashion house from Florence has inspired people with sex appeal and extravagant style. Wild animal prints and exciting cuts have won the hearts of stars like Madonna, Michelle Obama, Miley Cyrus and many others. The collections have always stood for self-confidence and the freedom of women. Creative Director Fausto Puglisi also works closely with strong women who are committed to equal rights and free self-expression.

So how does the label fit in with Rammstein and lines like “When you cry, I’m fine. The hand of your fear feeds my blood” or “You die when I want you to,” which glorify pain and violence against women? Together with my colleagues, I discuss possible reasons for choosing the song “Führe mich” by Rammstein for the label’s Fall/Winter 2024-2025 fashion show. But I come to the conclusion: no matter how I look at the possible reasons, it leaves me with a lack of understanding and anger.

Arrogant ignorance or a tactless cry for attention?

I don’t want to simply accuse a house like Roberto Cavalli, which stands for strong women and has a female target group, of making the song selection consciously. Why would a house that celebrates women and promotes “female empowerment” choose a song from a band that has been repeatedly confronted with allegations of abuse of power and sexual assault in the last year?

The Till Lindemann case is a form of abuse of power that is so complicated and at the same time simple that it became clearer than ever to me why so many victims of rape and sexual violence remain silent. As of now, the proceedings have been discontinued due to a lack of evidence, a slap in the face for many women – but the media outcry about this was unmistakable. Till Lindemann officially did nothing wrong on paper. Wouldn’t supporting his band while women walk down the catwalk in elegant clothes still be a clear indication of a lack of faith towards the victims? Isn’t it in clear contrast to what the fashion house stands for? So I find myself asking myself with disappointment: Could a cry for media attention and a planned scandal be more important to the label than solidarity with victims of sexual violence and abuse of power? In a world of oversupply, is the fashion industry now embarking on the path of “faster, bigger, louder” and “more scandalous, more provocative, more borderline”? A scenario I’d honestly rather not even consider. But an alternative motive doesn’t make the situation much better for me…

Labels must finally become aware of their responsibility

At a fashion house with the size and media presence of Roberto Cavalli, nothing can – and should – happen by chance. Even though a rocking song at the end of the fashion show perfectly underlines the vibe of the collection, a look online would have shown that choosing a Rammstein song might not have been the wisest decision, which almost makes me even angrier. Because time and time again, major labels shirk their responsibility and justify their actions with a kind of arrogant ignorance. The scandal surrounding the Balenciaga campaign, in which children were photographed with teddy bears in a BDSM look, or the advertising photos that used original documents from a court case on child pornography as props are unforgettable. The label professes ignorance and claims it did not realize how inappropriate these actions were. But is a social media statement acknowledging a mistake and praising improvement enough? Such – I call it gullible and perhaps even a bit naive – “mistakes” can and must be avoided. In today’s world, when words, images and in this case music have power and are more political than ever, the industry must be aware of them Finally become aware of responsibility and act accordingly.

Bridget