J.Crew responds to critics calling the brand out for irresponsibly styling natural hair
J.Crew is being called out on Twitter for irresponsibly styling a black model’s natural hair — and people have a lot to say about it.
Atlanta-based makeup artist Dae Louise took to Twitter to post a screenshot from J.Crew’s website where a model is pictured with what’s supposed to be a “messy bun” — but is really just a mess. The image shows the young woman with her hair sloppily pulled back and edges unlaid, which commenters are saying is the work of a hairstylist who simply doesn’t know how to style black hair.
J. Crew….. girl…. y’all wrong. pic.twitter.com/M25MHbrb3L
— Da? Louise (@UnordinaryDae) November 9, 2017
“J.Crew…girl…ya’ll wrong,” Louise wrote in her call-out, which has since garnered a viral response, and over 300 replies — most of which are expressing either disappointment in the brand or confusion.
Wow, the disrespect.
That's that "no one here can do your hair" type shit.
Reaching but maybe— Isa. (@Isa_Bulose) November 9, 2017
Why? just why??♀?
— Jess Nicole ?? (@SouthernWoman25) November 9, 2017
THIS IS UPSETTING!
— MMHMM, GIRL the podcast (@mmhmmgirl) November 9, 2017
My mom literally sent me this yesterday pic.twitter.com/zY3uchmbnK
— yes im amazing (@KadiaKakes) November 10, 2017
Others are taking part in the conversation to play devil’s advocate and defend the brand. Pointing out that J.Crew often goes for the “messy” hair look with their models, with users even posting photos of some of the women featured in their catalogues with seemingly similar hair looks.
Not all but some. J Crew is actually known for models with tousled hair. Many of their models get that undone hair look. pic.twitter.com/0Sn8zA1T6v
— Erica H (@HazelGoddess) November 10, 2017
The messy bun is their aesthetic. The white models come in with a "rolled out of bed" doo and i take it they expect the same from the black models. This is my guess
— Stefano Dimera (@2much336) November 9, 2017
However, nobody’s been afraid to point out that the tousled look on the white models cannot be achieved the same way on a black model’s natural hair. For that reason, the issue comes down to a lack of experience with black hair, or even a lack of concern.
Friendly reminder that what works for one, doesn't work for all; especially not where hair texture is concerned.
— Kadeen Waldron (@Kittya_Cullen) November 10, 2017
I understand what you guys are saying but this’s isn’t fly always. There’s a difference between hair being so soft and silky it slips undone and there is hair being too short to even begin to put in a bun. They should have just washed her hair and let it curl up.
— G??k? (@GeekyDiorGirl) November 10, 2017
They knew better!!
— Shika (@notdashiki) November 10, 2017
As for getting the attention of the brand, one user finally tagged J.Crew in her reply where she pointed out the difference between natural and unkempt hair, to which the brand responded.
J.Crew strives to represent every race, gender, and background. We sincerely apologize for the styling of this model and the offense that was caused. We assure you that we are taking steps to address it, and to prevent this from happening again.
— J.Crew (@jcrew) November 10, 2017
J.Crew isn’t the first to have this incident involving a model. A few users posted screenshots from ASOS to show that other brands have illustrated the same carelessness before.
See also Asos pic.twitter.com/Wx5KAxkno5
— Poor Will (@Tantalaliscious) November 9, 2017
They dont give not one fuck pic.twitter.com/WRxxxM4ZzZ
— proZac (@yiana777) November 9, 2017
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