The vices — Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Envy, and Pride — have transcended their religious roots to become enduring archetypes that resonate deeply within society and even the realm of fashion. Beyond Lust, is a history of longing and a softer side. Not having the freedom to express yourself on your own terms, being shunned from that desire, and being forced to resort to a more primal accumulation of love. Gluttony appreciates the finest things in life and will find purpose in even the most mundane objects. She can relate to those who like to maintain a sense of optimism and curiosity about the world and all the things she can experience through them. Greed is not only thriving in her current lifestyle with confidence, but she has worked hard to achieve her goals and obtain what she has. She finds strength and purpose in her success. Sloth is like those of us who want to push beyond the box they are forced into, to explore what else the world has to offer and be a dreamer in a world full of practicality. Wrath represents the pure, unapologetic emotion towards the impossible societal standards we set for ourselves, that honestly I think we all deserve to get a little angry about. Envy experiences the pressure to present and perform in beautification and appearance, yet her inadequacy stretches beyond the physical. Her lack of self-confidence sets her up for isolation and longing for what others have. Pride, driven by feelings of incompleteness and insufficiency, can only be as self aware as the society that those who set the social system up, allows him to be.
Both stereotypes and the Seven Deadly Sins contribute to cultural narratives about human nature, morality, and social order. Their emotions, their culture, the style in which they express themselves… all these harmful assumptions we make about each other reinforce existing power dynamics and hierarchies. Here, the Seven Deadly Sins reflect broader cultural perceptions of sin and redemption. The truth is, we have all indulged in one way or another, and it is time to start supporting others who are struggling with their flaws instead of judging them.
Creative Direction and Words by Lola Ruggiero.
Photography by Matt Gleason.
Photo Assist by Andrew Hershfield.
Videography by Olivia Graff, Seamus O’Connor, and Kyle Anderson.
Production Design by Emma Thomson.
Styling by Nadya Lopez, Luna Zander, Miia Popovics, Lola Ruggiero, and Charlotte Pinky.
Makeup by Ari Young Sang, Nadya Lopez, and Nicole Musi.
Talent by Cheney Chase, Esther Choe, Reese Sherrill, Lola Ruggiero, Nicole Musi, Tay Hwang, and Lynn Muraya.