Comme des Garçons controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2020
Comme des Garçons apologizes over braided wigs on white models
Company response
After online backlash over white models wearing braided lace-front wigs at its Fall/Winter 2020 menswear show, Comme des Garçons issued a formal apology, saying it had not intended to disrespect or hurt anyone.
Company response
Apology — Comme des Garçons
The inspiration for the headpieces for DAZEDComme 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 apologise for any offense it has caused.
Source excerpt
So much so the company faced severe backlash online for what seems to a clear cut case of cultural appropriation.
The uproar was so deafening that the brand issued a formal apology via a statement to .
2020
Comme des Garçons faces criticism over cornrow-style wigs
Public backlash
Comme des Garçons faced criticism after white models wore wigs that appeared to be cornrows at its Paris men's fashion week show. Diet Prada accused the brand of racial insensitivity, and some social media users urged it to use more African men with their natural hair.
Source excerpt
The self-appointed fashion watchdog Diet Prada -- which has a record of pulling up labels on racial insensitivity including the notorious Gucci "blackface" jumper - accused the cult brand of "taking a step back".
Many more, however, were offended, with the black supermodel Adwoa Aboah commenting, "Are we surprised?"
Japanese fashion brand Comme des Garcons was at the centre of a cultural appropriation row Sunday after it sent out white models in what appeared to be cornrow wigs at its Paris men's fashion week show.
2020
Comme des Garçons criticized over cornrow-style wigs
The fall 2020 menswear presentation used cornrowed lace-front wigs on predominantly white models. Critics described the styling as cultural appropriation; stylist Julien d’Ys apologized and said the intended reference was an Egyptian prince.
2020
Cornrow-style wigs at menswear show
The fall 2020 menswear show used cornrowed lace-front wigs on predominantly white models. Critics viewed the styling as appropriation of Black culture. Stylist Julien d’Ys apologized and said the intended inspiration was an Egyptian prince.
2015
Comme des Garçons criticized over guarachero-inspired boots
Pointed boots in the spring/summer 2015 menswear collection prompted concerns that the design appropriated the visual tradition of Mexican pointy boots associated with Matehuala.
2015
G uarachero boots cultural-appropriation criticism
Boots shown in the spring/summer 2015 menswear collection resembled Mexican pointy boots associated with Matehuala. The presentation generated criticism over cultural appropriation.
1995
Comme des Garçons faces criticism over 1995 Sleep collection
The Sleep collection drew international criticism after its striped pajama-like garments, identification-number imagery, and boot-print motifs were juxtaposed with Holocaust imagery in media coverage.
1995
Sleep collection and Holocaust imagery controversy
The Sleep collection used striped garments carrying identification numbers and military boot-print motifs. Media coverage placed images of the clothes alongside photographs from Auschwitz, prompting condemnation from the World Jewish Congress and criticism from fashion commentators. Kawakubo said the collection had been misunderstood and expressed sadness about the controversy.