"Take Off Your Makeup and Change Clothes"... American Designer Expelled from the Forbidden City

American Fashion Designer Rick Owens
Denied Entry After Visiting the Forbidden City

A famous American designer was denied entry to the Chinese Forbidden City for wearing strange clothes.

According to foreign media including Hong Kong's South China Morning Post, American fashion designer Rick Owens visited the Chinese Forbidden City on the 15th along with acquaintances from the fashion artist group 'Fecal Matter' and others. While taking photos at the entrance, they were asked by officials to leave.

The officials said their attire was "dark and strange" and requested that they remove their makeup and change into normal clothing before re-entering. However, they did not accept the request and were eventually asked to leave. In the released photos, one person in the group had their face completely painted white. Another person next to them had black paint around their lips and eyes.

American renowned designer Rick Owens (far left) and his party who were expelled after visiting the Forbidden City in China. [Image source=South China Morning Post (SCMP)]

Regarding this, Fecal Matter expressed dissatisfaction on Instagram. They said, "It was a humiliating and inhumane incident," adding, "We understand that people around the world do not accept us. This is the price we pay to uphold our values." They further emphasized, "We will fight against those who try to eliminate freedom of expression."

Although the controversy spread, the Forbidden City authorities have not issued an official statement on the matter. However, voices supporting the Forbidden City's decision continue locally. Beijing Daily newspaper pointed out in an editorial, "Respect is mutual. It is not that their freedom of dress is not respected, but that they clearly did not respect Chinese history and culture." While stating there is "no problem" with avant-garde fashion, it added, "It is important to maintain public order, respect cultural etiquette, and be considerate of others' feelings."

The Forbidden City visitation rules state that entry can be denied if attire is inappropriate. The Forbidden City side said, "Owens and his group were wearing 'dark and strange' clothing and actually attracted frequent stares from passersby."

Local netizens also showed various reactions such as, "Just as they have the freedom to wear what they want, the Forbidden City also has the freedom to not let them in," and "No place would allow a Chinese person to enter a foreign church wearing a swimsuit. We must respect each other."