Victoria's Secret has apologized after the use of a Native American-style headdress by a model in its recent fashion show sparked outrage.
Model Karlie Kloss (above) donned the headdress at the brand's annual fashion show, and was instantly criticized for ignorance toward tribal culture and history.
The company responded over the weekend, saying it was sorry to have upset anyone and wouldn't include the outfit in the show's TV broadcast next month.
"We sincerely apologize as we absolutely had no intention to offend anyone," VS said.
Historically, headdresses are a symbol of respect, worn by Native American war chiefs and warriors. Pretty sure the opposite was conveyed here.
Kloss walked onto the runway last week wearing the floor-length feathered headdress, leopard-print underwear and high heels, plus various accessories.
Kloss herself Tweeted that she was "deeply sorry if what I wore during the VS Show offended anyone." That would be plenty of people, but not everyone.
Thousands commented about the outfit on the company's Facebook page. Some praised Kloss' attire as artistic and urged those offended to "get over it."
Several expressed appreciation to Victoria's Secret for halting its marketing of the clothing, while others reached back in history to explain their feelings.
"We have gone through the atrocities to survive and ensure our way of life continues," Navajo Nation spokesman Erny Zah said in an interview Monday.
"Any mockery, whether it's Halloween, Victoria's Secret - they are spitting on us with this. They are spitting on our culture, and it's upsetting."
The Victoria's Secret stir follows a string of similar incidents, most recently No Doubt's cowboys-and-Indians-themed music video, which has been pulled.
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