Urban Outfitters is a popular clothing brand that has been around since the 1970s. It is known for its trendy and unique clothing styles that cater to the younger generation. However, the brand has been involved in a number of controversies over the years that have caused quite a stir in the fashion industry. Let's take a closer look at some of the Urban Outfitters fashion scandals.
Cultural Appropriation
One of the biggest controversies that Urban Outfitters has faced is cultural appropriation. The brand has been accused of appropriating Native American, Hindu, and other cultures for profit. For instance, in 2011, the brand was criticized for selling a Navajo-inspired line of clothing and accessories. The Navajo Nation sued Urban Outfitters for trademark infringement and the case was eventually settled out of court.
In 2015, the brand was again criticized for selling a tapestry that resembled the uniforms that gay men were forced to wear during the Holocaust. Urban Outfitters was accused of trivializing the tragedy and profiting from it. The brand later apologized and removed the item from its website.
Offensive Products
Urban Outfitters has also faced criticism for selling products that are offensive and insensitive. For example, in 2014, the brand was criticized for selling a shirt with the word "depression" printed on it. Mental health advocates argued that the shirt trivialized mental illness and made light of a serious issue.
In 2016, the brand was criticized for selling a tapestry that depicted a Kent State University sweatshirt with what appeared to be blood stains on it. The sweatshirt was a reference to the Kent State shootings of 1970, in which four students were killed by National Guardsmen. The tapestry was seen as insensitive and tasteless.
Sizeism
Urban Outfitters has also been accused of sizeism, or discrimination against people who are not thin. The brand has been criticized for not offering clothing in sizes above a certain range. In 2015, the brand was criticized for selling a shirt with the words "Eat Less" printed on it. The shirt was seen as promoting an unhealthy and unrealistic body image.
In 2018, the brand was again criticized for selling a tapestry that depicted a thin woman with the words "In a World Full of Kardashians, Be a Diana" printed on it. The tapestry was seen as promoting a narrow and unhealthy standard of beauty.
Racism
Urban Outfitters has also faced accusations of racism. In 2013, the brand was criticized for selling a shirt that featured a Star of David patch on the chest pocket. The shirt was seen as reminiscent of the patches that Jews were forced to wear during the Holocaust. The Anti-Defamation League called the shirt "deeply offensive" and Urban Outfitters eventually pulled it from its stores.
In 2015, the brand was criticized for selling a shirt with the words "Vintage Kent State" printed on it. The shirt was seen as insensitive to the Kent State shootings and to the families of the victims.
Conclusion
Urban Outfitters has faced a number of controversies over the years that have caused a lot of backlash and criticism. The brand has been accused of cultural appropriation, selling offensive products, sizeism, and racism. While the brand has apologized for some of its missteps, it remains to be seen whether it will take further steps to address these issues and make its clothing more inclusive and respectful.