Nov

2012

1:45pm, EST

Victoria's Secret apologizes for Native American-inspired look

Jamie Mccarthy / Getty Images

Is this lingerie look offensive? Model Karlie Kloss, in an Indian-inspired outfit, walks the runway during the 2012 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show on Nov. 7.

By Hilary George-Parkin, Styleite

Victoria's Secret received plenty of well-deserved recognition for their role in helping out with Hurricane Sandy relief efforts in the week leading up to their annual fashion show, and this year's Nov. 7 spectacle was every bit the glittery, star-studded bash that we've come to expect.

But all is not well in lingerie land after the company sent American model Karlie Kloss, 20, down the runway in a feather headdress, buckskin bikini and turquoise jewelry. The outfit, meant to represent Thanksgiving, sparked outrage within the Native American community for its misappropriation of cultural attire.

Antonio De Moraes Barros Filho / Getty Images Contributor

Model Karlie Kloss apologized for donning a Native American-inspired feather headdress along with turquoise accents.

The controversy came mere days after band No Doubt pulled their video for "Looking Hot", which featured singer Gwen Stefani dressed up in similarly stereotypical garb. And just last year, the Native American community criticized retailer Urban Outfitters for use of the word "Navajo" in product names, including "Navajo Hipster Panty."

Aptly-titled blog Native Appropriations points out that, beyond merely jumbling all American Indian cultures into one mish-mash, the Victoria's Secret outfit is especially hurtful to a group of women who face widespread sexual violence:

Besides the daily harm of these ongoing microaggressions for Native folks, the sexualization of Native women continues to be an ignored and continuing epidemic…So Victoria's Secret, now is the time to apologize. It's not too late to cut Karlie's headdressed outfit out and leave it on the editing room floor. This isn't "fun," this isn't a "fantasy" character. This is about our cultures, our bodies, and our lives. Native people demand and deserve far more respect than this."

Victoria's Secret has indeed apologized and agreed to remove the look from their Dec. 4 broadcast. The company sent the following message this Saturday via Facebook and Twitter:

We are sorry that the Native American headdress replica used in our recent fashion show has upset individuals. 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.

The apology has received almost 10,000 likes and 700 retweets, as of noon Monday, since it was posted.

Kloss likewise apologized on her personal 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 Victoria's Secret has found itself in hot water over a controversial outfit. In Sept., the company pulled a geisha-inspired outfit that was being sold on its website.

What do you think of the controversial Native American-inspired outfit? Is it indeed offensive? Share your thoughts!

Slideshow: Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2012

Jamie Mccarthy / Getty Images

Victoria's Secret put on a wild, whimsical and sexy fashion show, complete with dramatic wings and celebrity guests.

Launch slideshow

Apr

2012

1:13pm, EDT

Weapon-friendly attire: New $65 gun-concealing Chinos

Woolrich

Clever or concerning? Woolrich's Concealed Carry Chinos and Elite Discreet Carry Shirt feature a hidden chamber pocket and velcro flaps to help hide and easily access a weapon.

By Jada Wong, Styleite

Have you ever thought to yourself, “Self, why don’t more brands design gun-friendly apparel?” Because if so, Woolrich can solve all your sartorial woes! Introducing the latest in “covert fashion”: the Elite Concealed Carry Collection features pants and jackets with specially designed pockets to conceal your gun and your plastic handcuffs. Nope, not a joke.

New York Times reports that the clothing company started selling $65 chinos with additional pockets and stretchable waistbands to hide firearms because of an increase in people with permits. Currently, 49 states have laws that allow people to carry firearms in a concealed manner.

Instead of trying to explain what Woolrich’s gun-concealing pants look like, here’s the full product description for the Concealed Carry Chinos:

These pants are ideal for situations where discretion is important. The Elite Concealed Carry Chinos have the clean profile of a standard pair of pants with no external cargo or utility pocketing, but offers the added advantage of of a hidden chamber pocket strategically constructed to reduce printing. It is made of 7.8-ounce 98% cotton/2% stretch twill fabric. It has a comfort waist with elastic side panels with three-ply, dual-chamber pocket bags. An inner chamber is accessible through an invisible zipper and allows for discreet carry option. Outer chamber provides provides conventional pocket function and additional benefit of reduced printing. Two knife openings. Reinforced crotch.

But the gun fashion doesn’t stop at your lower half; there are shirts with Velcro slits! As per the product description:

The Elite Discreet Carry Shirt may become your favorite everyday casual shirt simply for its comfort, but we think you’ll also appreciate the features that make this far more than your average shirt. What sets this shirt apart are the “breakaway” side vents and false bottom button, for easy rapid access to essential gear on the waist. Back bi-swing venting with polyester mesh for a relaxed feel, even on the hottest days.

But on a more-serious level, why is there even an increase for gun-concealing attire? According to the Times:

Gun experts suggest that there are many reasons for the growth in the number of people with concealed-carry permits. They say it is partly due to a changing political and economic climate — gun owners are professing to want a feeling of control — and state laws certainly have made a difference.

And we thought crop tops were the scariest trend of the season.

What do you think of these new pants? Let us know in the comments section!