Victoria’s Secret are renowned for their models and fashion shows – and the Annual fashion show last week will be one to remember, over the weekend the company has received copious amounts of criticism from the Native American community.
Karlie Kross, VS model, paraded down the Catwalk at the fashion show in New York last week in a tribal themed outfit. The outfit consisted of an Indian headdress, leopard print underwear and completed with turquoise jewellery. The outfit was deemed as a “mockery” and “upsetting” to the Native American culture.
“When you see a Lakota chief wearing a full headdress, you know that he was a very honorable man. He was a leader. He did a lot of honorable things for his people,” said Michelle Spotted Elk, a Santa Cruz, Calif., woman of mixed heritage whose husband is Lakota. “It also has religious significance. With them, there’s not a division between spirituality and their leadership.” Navajo Nation spokesman Erny Zah stated “…Victoria’s Secret – they are spitting on us. They are spitting on our culture, and it’s upsetting.” Victoria’s Secret then released an apology, declaring,
“We are sorry that the Native American headdress replica used in our recent fashion show has upset individuals,” the statement said. “We sincerely apologize as we absolutely had no intention to offend anyone. Out of respect, we will not be including the outfit in any broadcast, marketing materials nor in any other way.” VS also decided to remove the outfit from the broadcast as a mark of respect to the Native American culture.
Karlie Kross also addressed the situation by tweeting,
“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.”
The outfit caused controversy on Social Media pages, with one follower of the lingerie line commenting “get over it”, with many other comments saying that the outfit Kross wore had artistic elegance.
