Comme Des Garçons Show Review.
Music by: RW Smith – Witchy Britches.
It’s CULTED with your FASHION BLAST.
Comme des Garçons has come under fire after their latest Homme Plus runway show.
The brand showcased its fall 20 collection in Paris and immediately faced backlash.
Comme des Garçons was accused of cultural appropriation after sending white models down the runway wearing cornrow wigs, while black models sported their natural hair.
People quickly took to social media to label the show as “offensive”.
Personally, I do feel this was executed poorly. I understand freedom of expression is important, however, when it’s done insensitively towards a certain demographic – it’s just not the one. But, we move – 2020. We move.
Diet Prada was quick to call out Comme des Garçons on Instagram, reminding people that back in 2018 the brand was called out for not featuring a black model in over 20 years.
The f*ck? It’s actually mad. 20 years, no black models. No colour.
Fashion director Gabriella Karefa-Johnson commented:
“I feel like it’s some attempt to simultaneously ‘elevate’ these styles to the status of acceptable in fashion, by making them as you say, avant-garde, less pedestrian and more art-piece”.
She continues “there is something very mocking about it – jacking black culture than finding humour in it”.
The hairstylist for the show, Julien d’Ys took to Instagram to explain the look was supposedly a homage to an Egyptian prince.
He said: “It was never my intention to hurt or offend anyone ever. If I did I deeply apologize.”
Weak apology, seeing as the context is wrong, some history research could have avoided this.
What’s also shocking is the praise the cornrows received from the industry.
Marc Jacobs commented hearts under Julien’s posts.
Carine Roitfeld commented: “with you”.
Let’s not forget, these industry insiders themselves have faced backlash for cultural appropriation.
And finally, we can’t avoid Samantha Conti’s review of the show on WWD.
She branded the hair as “primitive chic”.
Michael Solomon explained “nothing about braided hair is primitive. Using that word to describe a hairstyle derived from the African diaspora is racist”.
It’s 2020, how can brands get it so wrong?
Do you think this is a publicity stunt? Let us know below.
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See also: NATASHA ZINKO SHOW REVIEW
