Karlie Kloss' Native American Headdress at the recent Victoria's Secret Fashion Show raised a controversy and received criticism of it being racist.
Karlie Kloss walked the runway Wednesday night in a leopard print bikini with a fringe-covered heels and lots of turquoise jewelry at the recent Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. This was all fine but her Native American-style headdress raises a few eyebrows and was criticized for being racist.
The supermodel herself was not aware of the coming backlash.
"I'm so excited, I'm very, very lucky, I have three insane outfits," Kloss told CBS News ahead of the fashion show.
Following the show, Victoria's Secret Facebook page received many posts criticizing the headdress.
"We are a culture, not a costume. Way to go Victoria's Secret for misappropriating all Native American Indian women," one commenter posted.
"Not only are we offended and insulted, you are sexualizing Native American women and using sacred items from our culture and our traditions."
"your establishment is pathetic! Using a Native American Headdress in your 2012 Fashion Show is so disrespectful of the Native American culture!" said another.
"What is it with you people (i.e. the air heads that think it is okay to play dress up as an "Indian,")? Since when did "red-face" become the new "black-face? We are not a fashion trend."
"What are your plans after the whole Native American cat walk of disgrace? How about Black Face Vaudeville? You think Tyra Banks will back you on that one? Nice job of disrespecting the Native American women of this country. Enough is enough already"
Earlier last week pop band No Doubt's new video 'Looking Hot' received similar criticism and was immediately removed.
They apologized to everyone who was offended by the video expressing that was not the intention.
"As a multi-racial band our foundation is built upon both diversity and consideration for other cultures," the band said in an issued an apology on their website Saturday. "Our intention with our new video was never to offend, hurt or trivialize Native American people, their culture or their history. Although we consulted with Native American friends and Native American studies experts at the University of California, we realize now that we have offended people. This is of great concern to us and we are removing the video immediately. The music that inspired us when we started the band, and the community of friends, family, and fans that surrounds us was built upon respect, unity and inclusiveness. We sincerely apologize to the Native American community and anyone else offended by this video. Being hurtful to anyone is simply not who we are."
The video featured lead singer Gwen Stefani in Pocahontas-like fringe outfits and feathered headpieces, dancing in front of teepees and bonfires and at some points she was seen tied and held at gun point by bandmates Adrian Young and Tom Dumont dressed as cowboys.
