It’s official, the fashion industry has completely lost touch.
Fashion giant Zara has been forced to pull a children’s t-shirt that bares uncanny similarities to a concentration camp uniform.
Yes, you read that correctly.
Zara argues that the t-shirt for children up to a size 3 “was inspired by the sheriff’s stars from the Classic Western films,” not what Jewish prisoners were forced to wear under Nazi occupation.
Image of a concentration camp uniform, image via the Jewish History Museum Tucson AZ.
Despite their intentions, the resemblance caused an immediate backlash on social media after Reddit users picked up on it. The t-shirt was pulled within hours of going on sale.
Zara’s management issued this statement:
“The item in question has now been removed from all Zara stores and Zara.com.
“The garment was inspired by the classic Western films, but we now recognise that the design could be seen as insensitive and we apologise sincerely for any offence caused to our customers.”
As one Twitter user pointed out, “[I’ve] never seen John Wayne wear blue and white stripe shirts.”
@TalentDisplay @ZARA @blankjess What’s the sheriff crap they’re coming out with. Never seen John Wayne wear blue and white stripe shirts.
— Harvey Binnes (@_harveyb_) August 27, 2014
It has us asking, how didn’t someone, ANYONE, pick up on this?
The t-shirt was produced in Turkey, and was being sold in Israel, Germany, France, Albania and Sweden stores and online in the UK.
The expired link to the shirt on zara.com now redirects to another children’s blue and white striped tee with the word “Bien,” the French word for ‘well’ emblazoned on the front.
This isn’t the first time Zara has been accused of anti-Semitism, the brand came under fire in 2007 for selling this bag embroidered with swastikas.
This isn’t the last time the fashion industry will miss the culturally appropriate and politically correct memo, here are more ways the fashion industry is either drunk or on crack.
What do you think about the t-shirt?
Top Comments
I think a lot of people, possibly, relate to the Star of David as an armband as representing Jewish victims of the holocaust. I have not seen 'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas' but movies like The Pianist, Schindler's List and recently, The Book Thief, who all deal with Nazi Germany, don't show anyone (that I can recall off the top of my head) in prisoner garb. They are all in their own clothes (or grey clothes) with Star of David armbands.
But they have reacted accordingly so good on them.
I don't really understand what you're saying.
Yes, the star represents Jewish victims of the holocaust. And it's a fact that the concentration camp uniforms were generally the white and blue stripped pajamas, even if not everyone wore them, or didn't wear them all the time.
The association is pretty irrefutable.
erm derp derp, the top doesn't look remotely like concentration camp garb. The star looks like a sheriff star.
Erm, derp derp, the very first thing I thought of when I saw that top was concentration camp attire. THE FIRST THING.
erm derp derp my first thought was also concentration camp garb. The sheriff star badge should be gold not yellow (like the Juden Star of David) and it would be more clear.