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Victoria's Secret Appropriates Indigenous Culture, Yet Again, In Fashion Show

Not cool, guys.

If you've been confused about when it's appropriate to wear an Indigenous-inspired feathered headdress as a fashion statement and you're not, in fact, Indigenous, allow us to finally put the matter to rest: never.

Now, if someone could please pass that message along to Victoria's Secret.

The lingerie giant served up some cultural appropriation once again at the 2017 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Shanghai on Monday. One of the show's segments, called "Nomadic Adventures," featured the models walking the runway in Indigenous-inspired headdresses and accessories, and what appeared to be Maasai tribal necklaces.

Nadine Leopold walks the runway at the 2017 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Sanghai, China, on Nov. 20
Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images
Nadine Leopold walks the runway at the 2017 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Sanghai, China, on Nov. 20

In one instance, model Nadine Leopold wore a feathery headpiece resembling the traditional war bonnet, which is a symbol of respect and bravery in many Indigenous cultures, according to Fashionista. Other looks, such as that worn by model Taylor Hill, incorporated "Navajo-style" beading, weaving styles, turquoise jewelery, and feathers, according to Design Taxi.

And necklaces and robes that seemed to be inspired by the Maasai tribe of Southern Kenya and Northern Tanzania were worn by several models, in particular brown and black models, noted Revelist.

"Victoria's Secret either went for a 'tribal' look without caring what 'tribe' they were referencing, or they deliberately took these elements and stripped them of their cultural meaning. Either way, it's bad," the online magazine said.

Maria Borges on the catwalk for the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Shanghai, China.
PA Wire/PA Images
Maria Borges on the catwalk for the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Shanghai, China.

Victoria's Secret has an embarrassing history of cultural appropriation at its yearly runway shows. The 2010 "Wild Things" segment (which featured more models of colour than in other parts of the show) relied heavily on animal prints and tattoos.

In 2012, Victoria's Secret apologized for using an Indigenous headdress in its famous fashion show, and pulled all traces of the appropriation from the broadcast version. But that didn't stop the brand from pulling from Mexican and Chinese cultures in its 2016 show.

The problem extends to the fashion industry in general, where designer Stella McCartney was accused of cultural appropriation this year for using Ankara prints in her spring collection, Kendall and Kylie Jenner came under fire for their culturally insensitive fashion line at Saks Fifth Avenue, and Valentino's infamous "Africa-inspired" fashion show mostly featured white models with cornrows.

Model Taylor Hill walks the runway of the 2017 Victoria Secret Fashion show on November 20, 2017 in Shanghai, China.
Timur Emek via Getty Images
Model Taylor Hill walks the runway of the 2017 Victoria Secret Fashion show on November 20, 2017 in Shanghai, China.

Reactions to the 2017 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show were predictably negative, and people took to social media to express their disappointment.

"So now Victoria's secret is totally ok with cultural appropriation. Wow. Ok," one user wrote on Twitter.

"Things confirmed during the VS show: We as a society are not quite over hair chopsticks nor sexy war bonnets apparently! Maybe in 2018?" another wrote.

"Am I missing that the theme was actually cultural appropriation," asked another user.

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