Many fashion retailers have been inspired by the traditional designs of Native Americans dress. Brands like Victoria Secret, Urban Outfitters and H&M have all displayed collections with headpieces and underwear with obvious Native American influences.
But what those retailers also have in common is the complaints, backfire and lawsuits brought against them by those who say the clothing is insensitive to the Native American culture, New York Magazine reported.
High-end fashion house Chanel most recently joined the list of brands with collections based on Native American designs.
At its Dec. 10 Métiers d' Arts show in Dallas, Chanel creative director Karl Lagerfeld showed a pre-fall 2014 collection inspired by "the idea of the old Texas, even before the Civil War," the Associated Press reported.
The Métiers show is given every year in December to showcase the work of artisans. Models walked down a hay-strewn runway with feathered-headpieces, wearing garments with more feathers, beads, leather and fringes. One of the headpieces had feathers that went down to the model's feet. The makeup was also Native American, or at least it was an attempt, with the models' cheekbones tinted gold, New York Magazine reported.
"We're honestly shocked that those headdresses were given the thumbs up to walk down the runway," Alyssa Vingan, from Fashionista, acknowledged Chanel's wrongdoing.
"And though the clothes were incredible, the jewelry want-worthy," Elle magazine's Faran Krentcil wrote. "The American Indian riffs- and the headdresses in particular- left a sour taste for some."
In response to the online complaints Chanel explained their intention in an email to Fashionista.
"Native Americans are an integral part of Texas' rich history and culture and the feather headdress, a symbol of strength and bravery, is one of the most visually stunning examples of creativity and craftsmanship," a Chanel spokesperson said. "We deeply apologize if it has been misinterpreted or is seen as offensive."
Despite the apology, it seems people are not surprised anymore by the fashion industry's misuse of another culture's traditional clothing.
"You knew he was going to go there," tweeted Eric Wilson, Instyle magazine's fashion news director, New York Magazine reported.
Pictures of the Chanel fashion show here.
