Row over White Models in ‘Cornrow Wigs’ at Paris Fashion Week

Japanese fashion brand Comme des Garcons was at the centre of a cultural appropriation row Sunday after it sent out white models in what appeared to be cornrow wigs at its Paris men’s fashion week show.

The self-appointed fashion watchdog Diet Prada — which has a record of pulling up labels on racial insensitivity including the notorious Gucci “blackface” jumper — accused the cult brand of “taking a step back”.

Comme des Garcons was criticised in 2018 for reportedly not using a black model for more than 20 years.

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While the brand itself has remained tight-lipped, the French hair stylist responsible for the look took to Instagram to defend it.

Julien Dys said it was meant as a reference to the ancient Egyptians and not cornrows.

“My inspiration for the Comme des Garcons show was an Egyptian prince, a look I found truly beautiful and inspirational,” he wrote.

“Never was it my intention to hurt or offend anyone, ever. If I did I deeply apologise,” he added.

One black model in the Paris show Saturday also wore one of the wigs, while two others had their hair in short dreadlocks.

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