Comme des Garçons issued an apology after receiving backlash for incorporating horrid cornrow wigs into their menswear line.
What We Know:
- Firstly, the Japanese label showcased its men’s fall/winter 2020 line this week at Paris Fashion Week.
- According to a report from Dazed, the Comme des Garçons brand issued an apology saying: “The inspiration for the headpieces for Comme des Garçons’ menswear FW20 show was the look of an Egyptian prince. It was never ever our intention to disrespect or hurt anyone–we deeply and sincerely apologize for any offense it has caused.”
- In the past, Marc Jacobs also received backlash for his SS17 show. The inspiration for his looks were cyber goths. Dazed reported, Jacobs said, “All who cry ‘cultural appropriation’ or whatever nonsense about any race of skin color wearing their hair in a particular style or manner–funny how you don’t criticize women of color for straightening their hair.” The statement came with intense fury as he did not clear up or show that the dreadlocks were offensive, but he did follow his comment with another apology. Finally, Jacobs remarked, “What I learned from that whole thing, what caused me to pause after it died down a little bit, was that maybe I just don’t have the language for this.”
- Subsequently, Julien d’Ys, the Parisian hair master, issued an apology and explanation on Instagram. “Dear all, My inspiration for the Comme des Garçons show was Egyptian prince A Look i found truly beautiful and inspirational.” He continued, “A look that was an homage. Never was it my intention to hurt or offend anyone, ever. If I did I deeply apologize.”
One hopes that the fashion industry will learn this time. As French literary critic Roland Barthes once quoted, “Every exploration is an appropriation”.
