As craftily pointed out by the folks at My Fashion Life, Sisley is including cocaine references in its fall advertisements. While some may consider the label’s “Fashion Junkie” campaign a bold, tongue-in-chic statement that recalls Guy Bourdin‘s iconic imagery, my eco-minded self couldn’t help but think that the photographs might end up being a bit counter-productive.

How so? First, ignore the obvious drug implications. Instead, take into consideration that 2 ½ pounds of pesticide are used to make a cotton tee like the one those Sisley poster girls seem to be addicted to. Add to this a few more scary facts (as culled from the original fashion activist, Katherine Hamnett’s website): Cotton crops use 25% of the world’s pesticides but only accounts for 10% of global agriculture and those same pesticides—which are mostly made from WWII-era nerve gas—are responsible for 20,000 deaths a year. The moral of this style story?: Being addicted to disposable clothing has consequences too, and this edgy Sisley image may remind thoughtful fashion followers of this fact.

With all that being said, don’t get me wrong: I’ve long been a fan of Sisley, as well as the brand’s sexy silhouettes, festive frocks, and glossy images—especially their controversial campaigns. After all, fashion only becomes interesting when it makes you think about something new. For that reason, I say well done Sisley. X S.C.

Technorati Tags: Sisley, Fashion Junkie, Fashion Addict, Cotton Pesticide Facts, Katherine Hamnett