Source: Victor VIRGILE / Getty
You ever see something so egregious that you first question if it is actually real? One of the biggest fashion houses in the world just played themselves big time.
In what seems to be the 2020 edition of how couture can be culturally clueless Comme des Garçons showed they are truly racially reckless. As spotted on Madame Noire the Japanese fashion label recently debuted their their fall winter 2020 menswear collection during their show at Paris Fashion Week. While their wears were largely well received by critics for their use of patterns their styling left many feeling in a ways.
Their models all walked the runway wearing braided lace front wigs; including the white ones which was largely viewed as a big no no. So much so the company faced severe backlash online for what seems to a clear cut case of cultural appropriation.
I’ve read 4 COMME des GARÇONS HOMME 2020’ show reviews so far and NONE of the critics mentioned anything about the hair being culturally insensitive.. this industry doesn’t give a shit, they don’t want to challenge anything that may mess up their front row seat
— Shelton Griffith (@flyrebel) January 19, 2020
The uproar was so deafening that the brand issued a formal apology via a statement to DAZED. “The inspiration for the headpieces for Comme des Garçons menswear FW’20 show was the look of an Egyptian prince. It was never ever our intention to disrespect or hurt anyone – we deeply and sincerely apologise for any offense it has caused.”
Julien D, the hairstylist behind the ill-fated wigs, also explained her approach. “My inspiration for the comme des garçons show was Egyptian prince A Look i found truly beautiful and inspirational. A look that was an hommage. Never was it my intention to hurt or offend anyone , ever.If I did I deeply apologize.” she wrote.
Julien d’YsThis is not the first the time Comme des Garçons has been under fire for cultural insensitivity. To date they have only booked a handful of Black models since their launch.
Photo:
Source: HipHopWired.com
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