Fashion designer Marc Jacobs has defended himself for using dreadlocks in his show during a fashion week, after being widely criticised for “cultural appropriation”.
The 53-year-old was criticised after celebrities including Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid and Gigi Hadid wore fake rainbow-hued wigs during his show at New York Fashion Week (NYFW) show, but Jacobs has now hit back at the accusation.
“All who cry ‘cultural appropriation’ or whatever nonsense about any race or skin colour wearing their hair in any particular style or manner — funny how you don’t criticise women of colour for straightening their hair,” Jacobs posted on his Instagram account.
“I respect and am inspired by people and how they look. I don’t see colour or race — I see people. I’m sorry to read that so many people are so narrow minded... Love is the answer. Appreciation of all and inspiration from anywhere is a beautiful thing,” he added.
Jacobs explained that the controversial designs were inspired by rave culture, London 1980s’ fashion and Japanese Harajuku girls.
Jacobs’ NYFW show used as many as 12,500 hand-dyed woollen dreadlocks.
