Timberland Drops A.P.C. Following Offensive Racial Remarks
Photo: theobversion/Instagram
According to A.P.C. designer Jean Touitou, it’s okay to use a racial slur because he occasionally works with Kanye West. Um, maybe not. The French designer caused an uproar when, in keeping with tradition, he held up a placard to name the different sections of his presentation. The problem here? A white man with a white sign that read “Last Ni##@$ IN PARIS" in black font.
The section in question featured predominately camel-colored ensembles and boots from A.P.C’s boot collaboration with Timberland. Touitou explained to members of the press that the collection was inspired by both West’s Watch The Throne song “N****as in Paris” and the Marlon Brando film Last Tango in Paris. The boots were included because, as he explained to Style.com, the shoe brand “is a very strong ghetto signifier.” Timberland, taking offense to the entire offensive situation, has now decided to immediately cut ties with A.P.C. despite the fact that the partnership launched less than a week ago.
Related: This A.P.C Backpack Is a Literal Douche Bag. Huh?
"We have chosen to immediately terminate our involvement with the A.P.C. brand. Simply stated, this kind of language and approach is in complete contrast with our values," the U.S.-based company said in a statement. “Timberland seeks to collaborate with designers and brands who are at the forefront of lifestyle trends; equally important, they must also share our values. We will not tolerate offensive language or racial slurs of any kind being associated with the Timberland brand."
This is not Timberland’s first time getting embroiled in unfortunate racial tension. Last year, Elle.com’s fashion editor Danielle Prescod called the shoes the next big thing for winter and was met with Twitter hate for suggesting that the boots were trendy because they had been discovered by a Caucasian audience. (Prescod is African-American.) Recently, the company was also the target of a fake report that claimed CEO John Kilpins said he doesn’t want to “see blacks in my boots.”
Related: Kanye West Wants Anna Wintour-Like Influence
Undeniably, Timbs — more specifically, the classic Premium Waterproof boots — are a fashion staple favored by rap, hip-hop, and R&B stars. The brand has taken a significant step forward by publicly denouncing the French designer. We can only imagine what the outspoken West will have to say once he decides to make a statement.
