Fashion

The Newest Offensive Item Pulled From Shelves

by Michelle King

So, uh, looks like the fashion industry hasn't quite learned that people find headdresses really offensive (reality check: they are). Most recently: H&M has upset Aboriginals in Canada by selling feathered headgear. The Canadian Press reports that the faux feather headdress has been pulled from shelves after Kim Wheeler, an Ojibwa-Mohawk from Winnipeg, saw the accessory while shopping with her daughter and wrote a letter to the company.

"Headdresses are a sign of respect and leadership," Wheeler told CTV. "You wouldn't find a colorful hijab or a colorful yarmulke on the shelves as some sort of fashion accessory to wear out."

The Swedish fashion chain released a statement saying the headdress was part of a summer music festival collection titled 'H&M Loves Music.'

“Music festivals these days are really about experimenting with fashion and dressing your personality," said Emily Scarlett, a Toronto-based spokeswoman for H&M. "They’re very heavily based on accessories, really accessorizing your look."

Um. What? So, just to clarify, offensive garments are totally cool, because you can wear them to Coachella? Come on, H&M. At least admit that you were in the wrong.