Stella McCartney Under Fire For Using White Models To Showcase Ankara Dresses At Paris Fashion Week

Published: October 5, 2017 Last Updated 6 months ago by FPN SEO

After sending models down the runway in seemingly beautiful African print dresses, the ’80s reworked acid-washed denim and pieces in flattering designs and silhouettes, It’s hard to deny that Stella McCartney’s show at the just-concluded Paris Fashion Week was one of the shows worth shouting about. But she is getting heat for what people claim as ‘cultural appropriation’ after using white models to flaunt the colorful prints. 

Here is what Twitter users have said in response to McCartney’s show:

“How are you going to use African culture as your ‘inspiration’ yet not even attempt to have African women represented on your runway?.”

“These are basic African designs our grandmothers wear these daily… any credit to African designers?.”

“Something my mum has been wearing for years when she wants to make stew.”

“Im not understanding why Stella McCartney used African print and only one used only one black model. Does this make any sense???

“Wish I was surprised, but I’m not surprised that Stella McCartney African designs in her runway show and had but 1 African in the show.”

“For those of you planning on buying Stella McCartney’s latest collection, save your money. Go to your local African clothes shop instead.”

While the London-based designer is yet to respond to the accusations, two Twitter users have also come to Stella’s defense, citing that every designer takes inspiration from somewhere. “People moaning about Stella McCartney show due to cultural appropriation, everyone takes inspiration from somewhere. Get a bloody grip.”

“Here we go again,” Another user added, “Cultural appropriation innit. Sshhh, don’t tell ’em it originated as Dutch/Indonesian.”