Headline Junkie: 08 May 23'

Models Against Karl Lagerfeld’s Legacy 

CW: Rape Culture, Sexism

On Monday, 1 May, the 2023 Met Gala was held, exhibiting a controversial theme. Guests had to attend in fashion looks inspired by the late, controversial Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld. On Sunday, 30 April, Model Alliance held a protest on the steps of the Met to show their disappointment. “The choice to honour Lagerfeld embodies the dissonance of an industry that claims to be progressive, that celebrates body positivity and survivors on the one hand, and then reveres figures like [Lagerfeld] without even acknowledging their regressive views,” Sara Ziff, the founder of Model Alliance, told media. Lagerfeld’s success is shadowed by “a long list of statements that could be viewed as racist, sexist, antisemitic, [pro-anorexia], and fat-phobic,” Caroline Burke of Katie Couric Media writes. Largerfeld was reportedly “fed up” with the #MeToo movement, saying “If you don’t want your pants pulled about, don’t become a model!”

Chippy and Luxon Take to Coronation Station

Prime Minster Chris Hipkins took National Party leader Christopher Luxon along with him on a trip to London. This vacay was focused around a special event for the Chrisses: attending the new King of England, Charles III’s, coronation last Saturday, 6 May. 2000 guests were invited, including rugby superstar Richie McCaw. The guest list has hit a significant decrease in numbers from Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953. As 2023 is an election year, Hipkins believed it was “important” to invite the opposition. Hipkins making an appearance at coronation directly contrasts his self identified “republican” views and hopes for New Zealand to become “a fully independent country”. Hipkins stated prior to the Coronation, however, he would not be discussing this with Charles and would still swear a pledge of allegiance to the King. “[Becoming a republic is] not a priority for me. It's not something I intend to push,” he said at a press conference.