Rick Owens, along with his wife Michele Lamy and two other designers, were denied entry into China’s Forbidden City, an iconic imperial palace complex, due to their “inappropriate” clothing.
A photo shared on social media last week showed the group posing in front of the heritage site dressed in unusual outfits with heavy makeup, the South China Morning Post reported.
Security staff requested that they change their clothing or leave, Dimsum Daily reported.
One of the two designers besides Owens and Lamy later posted on her Instagram account Fecal Matter, stating that security had told them to “remove our make-up and change into normal clothes” in order to enter, but they refused to do so
Although no official statement has been made by the management board of the Forbidden City, many social media users supported the ban decision, emphasizing the importance of cultural respect.
“They have the freedom to dress however they like, but the Forbidden City has the right to refuse them entry,” one user wrote on Xiaohongshu.
Another commented, “We should respect each other’s cultures—no one would allow people to wear bikinis in foreign churches, right?”
Built in the 15th century, the Forbidden City served as the residence for 24 emperors from the Qing and Ming Dynasties. Today, it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its significant historical role as the seat of Chinese power for five centuries, as well as for its unparalleled architecture.
The complex now functions as the Palace Museum, showcasing dynastic art and history.
While there is no official dress code for visitors to the Forbidden City, visitors are recommended to dress modestly and respect local cultural norms.
Rick Owens is an American-born, Paris-based designer whose groundbreaking collections have earned him the nickname The Lord of Darkness. He is a celebrated figure in the fashion world, having received the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017 and being named Best Menswear Designer in 2019.
