American fashion designer Marc Jacobs has been accused of cultural appropriation.
Social media users have gone crazy over the fact he defended his decision to cast pretty much just white models to wear dreadlocks in his New York fashion show.
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While some said that what they saw was cultural appropriation, the designer said he only saw people, not their race.
Marc addressed the allegations in the comments that were attached to one of his images and said:
“[To] all who cry ‘cultural appropriation’ or whatever nonsense about any race or skin colour wearing their hair in any particular style or manner – funny how you don’t criticise women of colour for straightening their hair,” the designer said.
He then went on to say: “I respect and am inspired by people and how they look. I don’t see colour or race – I see people. I’m sorry to read that so many people are so narrow minded … Love is the answer. Appreciation of all and inspiration from anywhere is a beautiful thing. Think about it.”
There were some people that responded to the images of supermodels Gigi and Bella Hadid, Karlie Kloss and Jourdan Dunn, asking why the designer had not cast more black models.
One twitter user said: “@marcjacobs I thought you were better than this. I’m shocked. You were the first designer I became a diehard fan of. Please check yourself.”
After the uproar, Marc decided to issue an apology and uploaded a photo saying: “I have read all your comments…
“…and I thank you for expressing your feelings. I apologize for the lack of sensitivity unintentionally expressed by my brevity. I wholeheartedly believe in freedom of speech and freedom to express oneself though art, clothes, words, hair, music…EVERYTHING. Of course I do “see” color but I DO NOT discriminate. THAT IS A FACT!
Please continue to express your feelings freely but do it kindly. Nothing is gained from spreading hate by name calling and bullying.”
One user responded to his comments.
While another said: “If you don’t see colour then why are your models 95% white?”