Chanel “deeply regrets” offence caused by boomerang, still refuses to take it down
The product remains live on the Chanel website.
ICYMI, Chanel came under fire this week for appropriating Indigenous Australian culture with its $1930 high-fashion boomerang.
News spread of the distasteful release when American makeup artist, Jeffree Star, posted a photo of the product to his Instagram.
The post read, “Having so much fun with my new #Chanel boomerang,” and drew 173,000 likes along with a heated debate.
Some commentators rightly noted the high-fashion boomerang was offensive to Aboriginal culture, explaining the boomerang is not a toy and was originally used for hunting.
One user wrote: “Cultural appropriation hits a new low — I sincerely hope that Chanel is donating all the profits to underprivileged Aboriginal communities.”
Chanel has since responded to the controversy, stating: “Chanel is extremely committed to respecting all cultures, and deeply regrets that some may have felt offended.”
The product, however, still remains live on the Chanel website. It’s one of several items available in the “other accessories” line of Chanel’s 2017 Spring/Summer pre-collection, sitting alongside a $2220 tennis racquet, $4860 set of beach racquets and balls, and a paddle board with “price available on request.”
“The inspiration was taken from leisure activities from other parts of the world and it was not our intention to disrespect the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and the significance of the boomerang as a cultural object,” said a statement from the luxury fashion house.
Although much negativity has been directed at the post and the “Star” himself, many have defended the release, with some users arguing that boomerangs were widely used for outdoor activities.
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