Media Democracy: A New Age of Creativity

Instagram via @nicolemclaughlin

Cancellation of art and entertainment-centered events impacts attendants/viewers and is also prominently felt on the production side. Given this current reality, members of the film, fashion, and music industry are challenged to embrace their creativity further, finding new ways to produce their work. Many took advantage of our generation's vital resources--media and technology. These resources allowed creators to overcome obstacles and production halts.

Designer Simon Jacquemus responded similarly, sharing his SS2020 collection in a FaceTime-produced campaign with two industry starlets, Barbie Ferreira and Bella Hadid. Photographed by Pierre-Ange Carlotti and directed by Jacquemus, the pair captured the collection via the familiar 'selfie mode lens. Consistent with the Jacquemus aesthetic, Ferreira and Hadid position themselves along neutral walls while playfully showing off the pastel collection.

The pandemic caused the media to become even more democratic. Large budget sets have shifted into living rooms, photoshoots are captured on iPhone cameras, and interviews are recorded on Zoom. As industry powerhouses turn to accessible modes of production, individuals are similarly able to embrace their creativity (notably with the seemingly infinite amount of leisure time).

The brand Jacquemus highlights its creative clients on the official social media page (pictured above). The images are inspired by his collection and reflect his quarantine campaigns. Although the pandemic gives rise to vast uncertainty, the quarantine need not signify a present end to artistic creation but a new, democratic beginning.