Victoria’s Secret Apologizes For Karlie Kloss Native American Costume; More Offensive Than ‘Sexy Little Geisha?’
Victoria's Secret just finished filming their highly anticipated annual fashion show. While the lingerie company's models (especially Barbara Palvin) initially made headlines for their beautiful bodies and rumored relationships (ahem, Justin Bieber), the big news came a couple days later when an offensive photo surfaced.
The offensive photo in question shows VS model Karlie Kloss donning sexy cheetah print lingerie with a feather headdress, suede "skirt," a piece of suede wrapped around the bra, and turquoise jewelry. Since photos started circulating, the outfit has been deemed offensive and the brand has received backlash for the "sexualization of Native woman."
A rep for Victoria's Secret took to the official Facebook page on Saturday to issue an apology.
"We are sorry that the Native American headdress in our fashion show has upset individuals. The outfit will be removed from the broadcast."
Kloss, 20, issued a similar apology on her Twitter.
"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."
This isn't the first time that Victoria's Secret has offended a community. Just this past September the company came under fire their new "Go East" collection. The lingerie collection included a brand new outfit called, "Sexy Little Geisha."
"Your ticket to an exotic adventure," explained the description for the product. "A sexy mesh teddy with flirty cutouts and Eastern-inspired florals. Sexy little fantasies. There's one for every sexy you."
The "Sexy Little Geisha" outfit caused a big upset in the Asian-American community, and according to CNN, lead to the removal of the outfit on the VS website. In fact, the whole "Go East" collection in which the "Sexy Little Geisha" outfit as a part of was taken down.
Many on Twitter seem to remember the "Sexy Little Geisha debacle.
@opticverve- "@VictoriasSecret did you learn nothing from the #racist debacle of your "Go East" collection?!"
@KTObermanns - "Because @VictoriasSecret wasn't racist enough with their 'sexy little geisha' line."
@Leanneriding - "They would have to expect backlash. Maybe they felt it worked for them with the Sexy Little Geisha outfit? Speculation."
The 17th annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show airs on Dec. 4.
Do you find the Native American headdress and "Sexy Little Geisha" outfit offensive? Take our poll.