As Balenciaga’s creative director since 2015, Demna Gvasalia often wears a black fabric full-face mask, especially when being photographed.
Now, with backlash growing over two controversial Balenciaga campaigns, Demna, as he is known, may need the mask to hide from a growing number of people in the fashion industry who said he’s failing to take real responsibility for the fiasco — despite an apology from the brand Monday.
One of the now-notorious ads, which have inflamed the internet, features sad-eyed toddlers toting teddy-bear handbags adorned with what looks like bondage gear. Another shows a ladylike $3,000 Balenciaga x Adidas Hourglass purse next to a pile of papers that includes a Supreme Court document questioning if laws against the promotion of child pornography limited the First Amendment.
