Nordstrom Is Accused Of Selling Poverty To Rich People
Nordstrom has the attention of the perpetually outraged today by selling a $530 pair of sneakers which are artfully scuffed and look like they’re being held together with a piece of tape. USA Today claims that shoppers are “outraged” and demanding answers. I get it, glamorizing poverty isn’t a great look, but is that really what’s going on here? Is Nordstrom launching a campaign of terror against poor people by mocking them with unattainable fashion? Or, are they merely scamming wealthy Americans into buying very, very ugly things? Or could there be a third possibility, one with a global reach that cuts to the core of the human condition? We investigate the geopolitical ramifications of the commodification of poverty in this special report titled: Rich Shoe/Poor Shoe.
Here’s a look at the instigating footwear.
Here’s another person who’s got a few words for Nordstrom and their factory distressed shoes, and Nordstrom’s cold and heartless response.
This isn’t about taste. It’s about not recognizing that a store, for which I have a card, doesn’t get that poverty isn’t fashionable. I grew up ridiculously poor & could not afford the “finer” things. That my embarrassment & struggle is being marketed disgusts me.
— Worokya Duncan Ed.D. (@DrDuncanHistory) September 20, 2018
Here’s my theory though. None of the people outraged are Nordstrom’s target customer for these shoes, so why should they take their criticism seriously? Besides, Nordstrom isn’t to blame for any of this. They are just one of many retailers who are selling these shoes. They’re an Italian brand and they’re also sold at Barneys and Bergdorf Goodman. Golden Goose Deluxe Brand is their name, and wishing Jared Leto was their brand spokesperson is their game. Sadly, they had to settle for Paris Jackson.
These shoes are for label junkies, wealthy hipsters, and sneakerheads who save their hard earned dollars to get the latest must-have kicks. Nobody is pretending to be poor here. Nobody is fetisizing poverty. They are suckers who’ve bought into the notion that they can purchase their way into a lifestyle they see in the media, that doesn’t really exist. Jokes on them. Golden Goose’s offering is only the tip of the iceberg. Another company based in Paris looked at these shoes and say, “ear, old my wine”.
That’s right, hot glue gun jizz sneaks. The Maison Margiela Fusion Sneaker, also available at Nordstrom, retails for $1645. Would you like to take a guess as to where the decimal point goes? Hint: It’s doubling as a period. These are shoes for your Kanyes, your Kylies, your Jareds and for very sad strivers who think a $1,600 pair of shoes will make them worthy of love.
Pic: Golden Goose