RICK OWENS OPENS ONLYFANS ACCOUNT

Courtesy of Owenscorp

Summary:

• Fashion designer Rick Owens has launched an OnlyFans profile focused exclusively on photographs of his feet
• The decision stems from his opposition to what he perceives as excessive moralism in contemporary society
• Owens drew inspiration from 18th-century Italian aristocrat the Countess of Castiglione, who photographed only her feet in later life

American fashion designer Rick Owens has established a presence on the subscription-based platform OnlyFans, dedicating the account entirely to images of his feet. The announcement came during a WWD interview conducted yesterday evening, coinciding with the presentation of his spring/summer 2026 collection and the opening of his exhibition at the Musée Galliera in Paris.

The designer explained his motivation during the interview, citing fatigue with prevailing moral attitudes. Owens characterized the move as an attempt to inject levity into what he considers an overly serious cultural climate.

"I will continue to transgress until the day I die, because this is my protest", Owens stated. "It's a response to the sanctimonious moralism and judgments I see in the world. It's my way of saying: relax, don't take everything so seriously. A touch of mischievous fun is elegant. I started my career with a photo of me urinating in my own mouth. I mean, this is the most innocent thing I've ever done".

The creative decision draws from historical precedent, according to Owens. He cited the Countess of Castiglione, an Italian aristocrat from the 18th century, as his primary inspiration. The Countess, who spent decades having herself photographed in hundreds of portraits, retreated to a mirror-free apartment in her later years and restricted her photographic subjects to images of her feet alone.

This latest venture represents another chapter in Owens' ongoing exploration of unconventional artistic expression. The designer has built his reputation on challenging established norms within fashion and art, consistently pushing boundaries throughout his career.

The timing of the announcement, delivered alongside the unveiling of his latest collection and museum exhibition, underscores Owens' approach to integrating his various creative pursuits. The Musée Galliera exhibition represents a significant institutional recognition of his work within the fashion industry.

Owens' OnlyFans account joins a growing number of artists and public figures who have adopted the platform for creative projects beyond its original scope. The subscription model allows creators to monetize content directly from their audience, providing an alternative distribution method for artistic work.

The designer's commentary on contemporary moralism reflects broader cultural conversations about censorship, artistic freedom, and social media regulation. His characterization of the project as "innocent" compared to earlier work suggests a deliberate positioning within his artistic evolution.

The Countess of Castiglione reference adds historical context to what might otherwise appear as a purely contemporary gesture. The 19th-century aristocrat's photographic work, particularly her later focus on feet imagery, preceded modern discussions about body autonomy and artistic representation by more than a century.

Industry observers will likely monitor the reception of this latest project within fashion circles and among Owens' established customer base. The designer's willingness to experiment with new platforms and formats has characterized his approach throughout his career, from his early controversial photography to his current museum exhibitions.