Comme des Garçons was slammed for outfitting its white runway models in braided wigs during its recent menswear show at Paris Fashion Week.
Many have accused the brand of cultural appropriation after the runway show, Dazed reports. A number of the black models chose not to wear the wigs during the show.
The brand issued an apology to the outlet on Sunday, writing, “The inspiration for the headpieces for Comme des Garçons menswear FW’20 show was the look of an Egyptian prince. It was never ever our intention to disrespect or hurt anyone—we deeply and sincerely apologize [sic] for any offense it has caused.”
The hairstylist behind the wigs, Julien d’Ys took to Instagram to share his influences for the wigs, also citing Tutankhamun and Ancient Egypt. While, at first, d’Ys rejected the criticism as “stupide” in a comment, but as the backlash escalated, he posted an image of the boys wearing wigs and an apology. “My inspiration for the Comme des Garçons show was Egyptian prince a look I found truly beautiful and inspirational. A look that was an hommage [sic]. Never was it my intention to hurt or offend anyone, ever. If I did, I deeply apologize [sic].”
A few major fashion brands have been accused of cultural appropriation and racism over the last few years. Gucci was embroiled in a blackface controversy last year, while Prada faced outrage over a set of racially insensitive figurines in 2018.
