MISS FASHION

The early 2000s and 2010s were an era of spectacle, where fashion collided with reality TV to create a world of heightened ambition and manufactured drama. Our latest photo series revisits this chaotic period, using the resurgence of the indie sleaze aesthetic to explore the absurdity and allure of a time when competition ruled the runway and entertainment often came at a human cost.

In the images, the models embody a staged rivalry in a fictional competition called Miss Fashion, a nod to the reality show battles that defined the era. These scenes serve as a stark reminder of a fashion industry that prioritized entertainment over artistry, where human beings were reduced to commodities and drama became the ultimate accessory.

Shows like America’s Next Top Model and Project Runway thrived on this narrative of competition. They portrayed a world of aspiration and opportunity, but beneath the surface lay a formula of manufactured rivalries, questionable challenges, and ruthless critiques.

Contestants were pitted against one another in emotionally exploitative scenarios designed to entertain at their expense, blurring the line between aspiration and exploitation.

The indie sleaze aesthetic, which once defined underground cool with its messy, rebellious charm, has resurfaced in recent years—this time viewed through a nostalgic lens. What was once a defiant rejection of polished perfection has now been commodified, its raw, gritty allure curated for Instagram grids and commercial campaigns.

This photo series functions as both homage and critique. It examines the chaotic and often exploitative aspects of the era while acknowledging the creativity that managed to thrive despite them. It challenges us to look beyond the surface of fashion and media, questioning the systems that turned personal stories into disposable entertainment.

As indie sleaze rises again, we find ourselves at a crossroads: Will we repeat the mistakes
of the past, or redefine the aesthetic to celebrate authenticity without exploitation? Only time and the stories we choose to tell will decide.