I mean, the style is there, even if it feels like a cosplay of Parisian style (perhaps that's why it's so popular)
I have to agree with you that this is all cosplay at the end of the day, and that everyone is essentially cosplaying. Those who get called out, are those who don't pull it off. Which is what leads to the next part of why Hedi's style can often look so pedestrian. It is obviously on purpose, because it helps with making it easier to look "real" and "believable" instead of a literal "fashion" costume. For example, all actors are cosplaying and wearing a literal costume, but they almost always feel real, rather than strangely out of place.
The clothes may look extraordinary in shops yet they don't work as runway pieces at all.
I empathize with this. For the longest time, there was a single understanding of what runway presentations should look like. Hedi came in and disrupted it. He didn't want things to look too conceptual or fantastical. He wants them to look as if they're protagonists in a movie. The clothing is significantly low key compared to other brands. It is ready-to-wear at the end of the day after all.
It doesn't even work as a medium of conveying the vibe anymore because let's face it, Hedi has excluded himself from the conversation by leaving fashion weeks. Therefore, not only does it feel basic, but also late to the party.
I don't think it is a big deal that Hedi chooses to present his collections "out of sync" with the rest of the other brands. I might even consider it a smarter strategy that takes advantage of the film format. By presenting his collection apart from the rest, there is less chance of it getting lost in the mix. I'm also glad Hedi is continuing the film format since it allows him greater flexibility in showcasing different settings, certain items, and highlighting items that wouldn't be possible in a traditional runway show. One major advantage is actually having the brand's ambassador be a part of the show. I don't think it would make sense for Lisa to be part of a normal runway show since she is significantly shorter than the rest of the models. It would look jarring seeing her juxtaposed with the regular models, but in film format there are tricks and strategies to incorporate her seamlessly into the presentation. The other brands with Blackpink ambassadors really should be taking notes because they're missing out on a lot by not having them be a model.
In the age of the internet, fashion is a machine that operates 24/7. The fact we're conversing about it now speaks volumes to that. There is no such thing as "late". It is always on.
I don't disagree that it is "basic", but that has been Hedi's style for years because it is what resonates with the mainstream luxury consumers. Fashion is for making money at the end of the day, and Hedi is giving the people what they want. I would blame the people more than I would blame Hedi for the basic pieces that are sort of on trend, but not too trendy. Expecting anything different from Hedi is silly at this point. What Hedi does so well is to make these basic pieces attractive enough for people to want to buy it retail. This is why I respect Hedi a lot as a creative director who can just pull people into his vision.
There's nothing wrong with having your opinion, but when enough people hold a contradictory opinion, I think it is worth acknowledging that you just don't get it. For example, I'm not a fan of Le Labo's fragrances, but I'm not egotistical enough to think the vast majority of people who like it are wrong, nor do I go online to find an echo chamber support group where we can trash on Le Labo together. I just recognize that I don't get it, or resonate with it the way so many other people do. I don't lose sleep over it either. There's enough space for different aesthetics to coexist.
