Valentino has once again chosen to utilize traditional African hair styles without incorporating a majority of models of color. This time the brand has chosen to appropriate Bantu Knots, a traditionally African hairstyle, on the models in their Pre-Fall 2016 campaign.
It almost seems like the brand is immune to the criticism as this comes right on the heels of public backlash regarding the use of ethnic-inspired clothing and hair styles on white models in their Spring 2016 campaign. Valentino has also been repeatedly criticized in the past for their prolific use of excess baby hairs and cornrows on runway after runway. And yet, the brand has yet to feature a significant amount models of color in any of their runways or campaigns.
African culture has become such a strong influence in the fashion industry without crediting the people and history that accompany it. Bantu Knots have a rich history and cultural significance for African Americans, but last week Vogue displayed their ignorance by crediting their inspiration to 90s era Icelandic singer, Björk.
Valentino may be one of the most obvious perpetrators, but many major brands and publications continue to display this insensitivity towards African culture. These brands need to listen to the voices calling for change or at the very least acknowledge that these aren’t simply hairstyles, they are cultural phenomena.
What do you think? Will you continue to support Valentino or abandon them in hopes they will finally change their ways?