BY: Kara Johnson
Published 2 months ago
Fashion designer Rick Owens has constantly challenged convention, pushing boundaries with his avant-garde designs and unapologetically bold aesthetic. Known for his conceptual runway shows and unique artistic vision, he is now making headlines for a project that has little to do with clothing. Owens has launched an OnlyFans account where he sells videos featuring his feet. This unconventional move is not a mere publicity stunt but a powerful, artistic fundraising initiative that has captured the attention of the fashion world and the wider public.
The venture combines performance art and philanthropy to raise money for a crucial cause. It is a stark reminder that activism can take many forms, even those that might seem provocative or unusual. By using a platform typically associated with adult content, Owens is not only drawing attention to himself but also to a vital need within the LGBTQIA+ community. The project challenges preconceived notions about art, self-expression, and what it means to give back.
Why Rick Owens’ Feet Videos Are Making a Difference
Rick Owens has embarked on this unique venture to raise funds for La Maison d’Allanah. This trans-led shelter in Versailles, France, provides emergency housing and resources for at-risk and in-danger LGBTQIA+ individuals, with a particular focus on refugees. Trans pioneer Allanah Starr founded the shelter and has highlighted the dangers and hardships that many LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers face upon arriving in France, including homelessness, exploitation, and violence.
All proceeds from Owens’ OnlyFans account go directly to this shelter. His decision to support this cause shines a light on a frequently overlooked segment of the queer community: LGBTQIA+ refugees. Allanah Starr has expressed her immense gratitude for Owens’ tremendous gesture. She has emphasized the critical importance of building safe spaces where LGBTQIA+ individuals can rebuild their lives and regain their independence.
More Than a Look
Art history, not just social commentary, grounds the idea behind the feet videos. Owens’ project is an homage to Contessa di Castiglione, a 19th-century Italian aristocrat known for sitting for photographic portraits. As her beauty faded with age, she retreated from public view and began taking portraits only of her feet. She felt her beauty had disappeared, and she left only her feet for photography.
Owens has explained that this project is about his “own negotiations with self-display, vanity, and aging”. He views it as a provocative reflection on growing older in an industry obsessed with youth. By showcasing a part of his often hidden body, he is making a statement about beauty, visibility, and vulnerability. This artistic approach elevates the project far beyond a simple fundraising gimmick.
Public Reaction: From Praise to Perplexity
The internet has had a strong and varied reaction to Owens’ OnlyFans account. Some have praised his willingness to engage in such a unique form of philanthropy, calling it a true expression of his artistic and social commentary. They see it as a powerful act that uses his fame for a good cause. The audacity of the project is seen as a perfect fit for a designer known for his headline-making runway moments.
However, the public reaction has been mixed. Others have questioned the move, finding it strange or disturbing. Despite the divided opinions, the campaign is achieving its primary goal: drawing attention to the Allanah Foundation and raising much-needed funds for the shelter. The controversy itself has become part of the art. It has sparked conversations about the boundaries of creativity and what we are willing to do for a cause we believe in.
The controversy surrounding Rick Owens’ unconventional fundraiser is a testament to his enduring power as a provocateur. The project is a daring statement that challenges us to look beyond the surface and consider the deeper purpose behind his actions. By using his platform and his body in such a personal way, Owens has created a robust dialogue about art, aging, and social responsibility.
A true legacy is not just about the work you create but also about the change you inspire. His initiative perfectly demonstrates this principle. The bold move provides vital support to a vulnerable community. It shows how a creative vision can be used for a greater good.
What are your thoughts on artists using unconventional methods to raise money for charity? Let us know in the comments.
