Fashion Designer Faces Backlash for Fishbowl Gown

Pittsburgh-based designer Yanedaila sparked outrage after posting a video on Instagram showcasing a shimmering gown adorned with a fishbowl containing live fish. The video, captioned "Under the Sea Babyshower," featured a model twirling in the dress to Beyoncé's music.

Despite the apparent effort put into the design, the inclusion of live fish became the focal point, attracting criticism for animal cruelty. Yanedaila's claim of "no animals were harmed" did little to appease critics, who argued that the confined space and constant movement would be stressful for the fish.

The controversy escalated when Yanedaila defended the dress, stating it was a "one-off" design created for a specific client. She further argued that "art is just art," a justification that failed to resonate with many online commenters.

Many expressed disgust at the use of live animals as a mere fashion accessory. Some suggested using realistic fake fish to achieve a similar visual effect without harming living creatures. The issue gained further traction when a Beyoncé fan account reposted the video, hoping to catch the singer's attention.

Posting this in hopes of Beyoncé seeing it pic.twitter.com/DVs6nYi67a
— COWBOY CARTER Updates 𐚁 (@B7Album) April 23, 2024

Veterinarian Dr. Ben Rosenbloom weighed in, condemning the design as a clear example of animal cruelty. He highlighted the detrimental effects of stress on fish health, explaining how the constant movement and confined space would negatively impact the fish's well-being. Dr. Rosenbloom emphasized the importance of proper water flow and volume for fish health, conditions impossible to maintain within the small fishbowl.

This incident is not an isolated one. In September 2023, a similar case in India involved a designer using a gown with a fishbowl containing multiple fish, sparking similar outrage.