Victoria Secret

Victoria Secret runway shows are known for being very sexualized and representative of the clothes and garments that Victoria Secret associates with. Three years ago, however, at the annual Victoria Secret show in New York, something happened that stirred up more controversy than was ever intended.

Karlie Kloss, who at the time of this show was twenty years old, was supposedly representing the month of November as she walked down the catwalk. However, Kloss did so by offending many, many people. Kloss wore a Native American costume complete with a headdress. Instantly, there was an outrage among viewers.

People who identify as or with Native Americans claimed that Kloss's outfit at the show was horribly offensive. Below, I posted an article that illustrates why this model's costume became such a scandal.

Hollywood Reporter

Here's another article with more pictures of Kloss sporting her costume.

Huffington Post

One of the biggest points to take away from this article is the fact that Victoria Secret was essentially endorsing cultural appropriation. Cultural appropriation is when something (businesses) or someone takes elements of another culture, often sacred and symbolic, and presents it in a shallow manner. It's turning someone's culture into a trend or commodity.

Cultural appropriation is the main issue we are presented with here. Although Victoria Secret did apologize and ended up removing the costume from the show completely, it doesn't change the fact that they did it in the first place. Their image was severely tainted in the public eye because of this mishap. Let's break down how this New York scandal is the exact definition of cultural appropriation.

First of all, Kloss is seen wearing a headdress (war bonnet). The headdress is said to be one of the most symbolic and sacred aspects of the Native American culture/attire. As Ruth Hopkins from the Hollywood Reporter article writes, a war bonnet is only something worn if earned. In addition, it is traditionally worn exclusively by men and each feather comprising the war bonnet is symbolic of an act of braveness committed by those men. Hopkins was tremendously offended by Kloss's headdress and for a very valid reason.

Second of all, Victoria Secret is doing exactly what the definition of cultural appropriation says, turning someone's culture into a trend or commodity. Victoria Secret runway shows are fashion shows. These shows that are put on every year are intended to exhibit fashion, clothes, and trends.

So what is the solution when we witness cultural appropriation?

Don't endorse it. It's important to recognize when you see cultural appropriation. When you see it, don't act like it's normal. It's very offensive. In this 2012 fashion show, many viewers thought it was normal and nothing was offensive about it. But it's important to think about how it's affecting people other than you. It's key to look at this front other people's perspectives. As I was reading what Ruth Hopkins was saying in the first article, it made absolute sense as to why there was such an outrage created. And lastly, don't be afraid to say something. I can only imagine how many people thought in the back of their minds that this could possibly be offensive and could be marginalizing Native Americans. The majority of people who spoke out against it were Native Americans, however. I'm not implying that everyone needs to take a stand, but little differences in what is seen as acceptable in today's society can lead to a bigger change than you might have thought possible.