Is Bad Posture the New Black?
Art by Sabrina Toh
From Coperni spray painting a dress onto Bella Hadid and Gucci pairing 68 sets of twins to walk the runway, this year’s fashion week has been full of head-turning surprises. But one aspect of the fashion world that continues to capture the attention of social media is Balenciaga muse Minttu Vesala. Vesala’s runway strut has stood out in the past few Balenciaga shows, the most recent taking place in a mud trench, symbolizing the idea of being ‘down to Earth.’ While other top-notch models walk with grace and a straight back, Minttu’s walk consists of a fast pace and arched back; Vesala appears rather tense on the runway.
While it may seem like a minor difference, this entrance of ‘bad posture’ onto the runway has shaken the internet. Minttu’s appearance in the Balenciaga SS23 show has received appreciation and criticism from viewers; some see the model’s unique aesthetic as refreshing, and others make fun of the walk with comments along the lines of “how I walk when I’m mad” or “me walking away from my problems.” Whether it be positive or negative, Minttu’s contribution to the industry has surfaced as a topic of conversation for those both in and out of touch with the fashion world. In addition to being an actress and TV personality, the 32-year-old Finish model has brought a new look to the table for high fashion. When asked about their walk, Minttu stated in an interview that they pull inspiration from “Finnish melancholy and their own roots” (pledgetimes.com). This has resonated with many Finnish fans, who have commented on Tik Tok that their walk reminds them of “Every Finn at winter walking to work” (pledgetimes.com). In an interview with Nyti in 2014, Vessala stated that “Anyone is suitable for catwalks, if they just have the right attitude” (pledgetimes.com). Minttu’s fierce attitude is exactly what got them to be the muse of the industry this year, and we’re here for it!
Not only does Vessala make appearances on top runways, but they also work for Finnish brand Nomen Nescio as a Stylist and Head of Sales and Marketing. Nomen Nescio is notorious for its gender neutral clothing; the brand’s statement includes, “The collection is an evolving composition of seasonless, gender neutral black clothing. Pieces have no external, internal or applied elements pointing to any specific sex, age or status” (nomennescio.fi). Minttu’s drive to bring gender fluidity, neutrality, and inclusion to the forefront of the fashion industry is truly inspiring.
I personally find Balenciaga’s decision to make Minttu one of the brand’s faces to be a genius idea. It reflects the idea of diversity in a unique way: highlighting a driven, non-binary model who’s not afraid to turn heads, both on the runway and online. Not only have her walks for Balenciaga sparked change in the industry and what a typical “conventionally beautiful” model looks like, but her work outside of her partnership with Balenciaga is also pushing for change in the industry as a whole. The attention and popularity surrounding Minttu’s feature have me wondering: will poor posture, unique walks, and more unique elements become more widely featured in the industry?
Sources:
https://pledgetimes.com/who-now-stylist-and-model-minttu-vesala-blew-up-tiktok-by-walking-in-the-mud-at-the-balenciaga-fashion-show/
https://nomennescio.fi/pages/about
https://finncult.be/undressing-the-man-meet-the-speakers/
