 |
| Karlie Kloss in the controversial outfit |
Not even Rihanna, Justin Bieber and Bruno Mars' performance at the $12 million show put up by bigtime lingerie brand Victoria's Secret, could take the eyes of Native Americans from the blunder depicted when model Karlie Kloss walked
the runway wearing a Native American headdress (also called a war bonnet), Kloss, who walked the catwalk in a leopard bikini, turquoise beaded jewelry,
high-heeled moccasins, and a floor-length feathered headdress (with the word
"Thanksgiving" projected on a screen behind her).
Native Americans took to all avenues available to attack the error... Putting a headdress on a
white model is particularly offensive, she wrote, because among the Sioux tribe,
war bonnets are exclusively worn by men, with each feather symbolizing an act of
valor. A
culturally insensitive faux pas that led the company to pull the footage of the
offending outfit from its planned Dec. 4
broadcast.
broadcast.
A blog covering imagery of indigenous
cultures, accused the retailer of "egregious cultural appropriation,
stereotyping, and marginalizing of Native peoples."
Ruth Hopkins, a columnist
for a Native American news site, wrote:
"after years of
patronage and loyalty to the Victoria's Secret brand, I am repaid with the
mean-spirited, disrespectful trivialization of my blood ancestry and the proud
Native identity I work hard to instill in my children."
Victoria's Secret, owned by Limited Brands (LTD) also
apologized on Twitter, and issued a statement:
"We are sorry that the Native
American headdress replica used in our recent fashion show has upset
individuals. We sincerely apologize as we absolutely had no intention to offend
anyone. Out of respect, we will not be including the outfit in any broadcast,
marketing materials nor in any other way."
Kloss issued an apology via her
Twitter account on Sunday the 11th November, 2012 which read:
"I am deeply sorry if what I wore during the VS Show
offended anyone. I support VS's decision to remove the outfit from the
broadcast."
The show exhibited plenty of not-meant-to-be worn ensembles,
including circus-themed outfits and a $2.5 million "fantasy bra." Last year the
show averaged nearly 10.4 million viewers, up from 8.9 million in 2010,
according to Horizon Media. (This year's show was taped on Nov. 7 and is set to
air Dec. 4.).
No comments:
Post a Comment