Rick Owens controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2025
Animal-fur protests and policy change
The Coalition to Abolish the Fur Trade protested Owenscorp's continued promotion of products containing real fur. After several days of demonstrations, the company removed fur products from its website and stated that it would end fur production.
2015
Sphinx FW15 genital-revealing menswear presentation
The Fall/Winter 2015 menswear show used garments deliberately patterned and draped to expose models' genitalia. Owens explained the presentation as a reference to male nudity in classical sculpture, but the imagery generated substantial public controversy.
2015
Unauthorized Angela Merkel sign at Cyclops SS16
Jera Diarc held up a provocative sign during the show without the stated knowledge or authorization of Owens or Owenscorp. Owens distanced himself from the act and banned the model from subsequent shows, while the incident prompted debate about protest, performance art, and fashion publicity.