Cancelled by Marc Jacobs

Takira Smith
Sep 20, 2016
3 min read

Marc Jacobs is an American Fashion designer, known for his high end designs. If you were not aware, this weekend Marc Jacobs caused an uproar by his hairstyle choice for a runway show. In this runway show, Jacobs decided to feature his white models with colorful faux "locs" (pictured below).

After posting the above pictures, Jacobs Instagram comment section blew up with rage. Jacobs was called out for appropriating black culture but he thought otherwise. In one Instagram post, Marc decided to post a meme about black women appropriating "white culture" by having straight hair

After posting this meme on Instagram, Jacobs then proceeded to post a screenshot of an article by Time magazine, captioned "Don't rage over Dreadlocks while African Americans Are dying in the Streets"

Jacobs then proceeded to make an offensive statement, regarding Cultural appropriation.

5 reasons why Marc Jacobs is Cancelled

1.) "I don't see color"

It's quite interesting that Marc Jacob doesn't see color, but is the same designer who selected a large amount of white models and only three black models to wear colorful "faux locs". While also being the same designer, who presented a foundation collection with 50 shades of white and 2 shades of brown.

2.) Cultural Appropriation

Now Cultural Appropriation is an often misinterpreted topic. Cultural appropriation is the act of taking an element from one's culture and presenting as your own. There is a huge difference between appreciation and appropriation in the high end fashion world. High end designers like Marc Jacobs like to take traditions and elements from the urban culture and take credit for it. Black Women having straight hair is not cultural appropriation because straight hair is not synonymous to only white girls. Black women are forced to assimilate to the ideal American Life which does not celebrate our blackness and curls. Nice try, Jacobs.

3.) Marc Jacobs is the Joyce Leslie of the high end world

Lets face it, when is the last time there has been hype over Marc Jacobs' fashion collection? I can't boycott a brand that was already irrelevant in the first place.

4.) Don't tell us what we should not get upset over

As a white male with privilege, it is not up for you to decide what black people should get upset over. We have every right to be mad about a white male taking a black culture element and putting his white models in it, as if it is a trend. We are just as mad about police brutality as we are your colorful mess of a hairstyle.

5.) It is not "just a hairstyle"

"It's just a hairstyle", tell that to the countless number of black women who have lost their jobs because a hairstyle. Our hairstyles define who we are as black men and women. It is not your hairstyle to take, it's our culture.

As an aspiring fashion designer, it saddens me to see the level of racism and unoriginal aspects of the fashion world. If it wasn't for the black community being their top customers and inspiration, fashion businesses would flop. It is time to boycott Marc Jacobs and any other designer, who disrespects the black community. Marc Jacobs, you are officially cancelled.

Stay stylish always, gals and girls. xoxo

"It's not about the brand, it's about the style."