The discussion around Daniel Roseberry, the creative director of Schiaparelli, centered on a January haute couture collection that featured dresses adorned with artificial animal heads. In a public interview, Roseberry addressed the backlash and the accusations of cruelty that surged across social platforms, noting that he did not anticipate the intensity of the response.
Roseberry recalled expecting controversy because the concept involved animal motifs. Yet he described the reaction as harsher and more personal than he had imagined, singling out critics on social networks who he felt reacted from a distance. He emphasized that his intent was not to provoke anger but to elevate beauty through a bold, sculptural approach. The designer pointed out that the creators of the animal head sculptures share a vegan lifestyle, a detail he felt some detractors missed or misunderstood.
Despite the controversy, Roseberry highlighted the positive outcomes that emerged from the debate. The story drew a broader audience to high fashion, allowing people who might not typically engage with couture to encounter the craft behind the collection. He also noted that after the initial criticism, several celebrities reached out with messages of support, suggesting that the conversation helped bridge fashion with wider audiences.
Before addressing the reception, Roseberry mentioned that the Paris Fashion Week presentations by Schiaparelli, along with those from Dior and Chanel, were among the most talked about events of the season. The discussions surrounding these shows reflected a larger trend in the industry where artistic risk and provocative imagery generate significant public interest, debate, and coverage from fashion press and influencers alike.