Fashion

UO Is Still Making Controversial Headlines

by Sienna Fantozzi

Now that we're into the second week of December, holiday parties are being thrown left and right. But one popular retailer decided to really keep to the spirit of the season with theirs; Urban Outfitters may be throwing a racist holiday party for their staff. So, you know. Peace on earth and goodwill towards men and everything.

Gawker got hold of a flyer sent by email to all of UO's employees. In the invitation for the holiday party, which is taking place at the corporate headquarters in Philadelphia on December 10th, the clothing store suggests employees dress up in clothing from other cultures, including harem pants, saris, and even religious garments such as turbans. Classy, guys.

This isn't the first time UO has been under fire in the media, but this one goes a little farther than offensive tee shirts. They are effectively engaging in, what they must deem to be, a high brow form of minstrelsy. But religion and culture are not costumes. You cannot play dress up with them; they can't be tried on and thereby reduced in value to a plastic bagged superhero or witch costume you can find at Party City. One would think a retailer as under the microscope as Urban Outfitters would have a bit more tact, but then again, they did ask everyone to bring clothing donations. How charitable of them.

Bustle has reached out to UO for comment, and will update this post if we receive a response.

Images: Styleite/Twitter