After Marc Jacobs was called out for the cultural appropriation of dreadlocs in his Spring '17 fashion show on Thursday, he took to Instagram to reply to a critic. In his comment, the designer refuses to acknowledge black or Rastafarian culture as an inspiration or as the originators of the style — claiming that he respects and draws inspiration from all people. Jacobs also dismisses the validity of cultural appropriation but he implies that women of color are apart of that conversation when they choose to straighten their hair.
He wrote, "And all who cry 'cultural appropriation' or whatever nonsense about any race of skin color wearing their hair in a particular style or manner - funny how you don’t criticize women of color for straightening their hair. I respect and am inspired by people and how they look. I don’t see color or race- I see people. I’m sorry to read that so many people are so narrow minded…Love is the answer. Appreciation of all and inspiration from anywhere is a beautiful thing. Think about it."
"funny how you don't criticize women of color for straightening their hair" MARC JACOBS OFFICIALLY CANCELED pic.twitter.com/o098M16KOw
— :p (@SLAYLONIE) September 16, 2016
Others on social media shared dissatisfied sentiments about his response to the pushback.
Marc Jacobs: "I don't see color or race"
— reggie (@1942bs) September 16, 2016
Also Marc Jacobs: "funny how you don't criticize women of COLOR for straightening their hair"
MARC JACOBS SAID WE DONT CRITICIZE WOC FOR STRAIGHTENING THEIR HAIR LMAOOOOO. YT PPL HAVE COMPLETELY LOST IT.
— FLEEKNIK (@Judnikki) September 16, 2016
Marc Jacobs put dreads on WW and said black girls w straight hair are "appropriating" but black girls get suspended for their natural hair
— farwz (@farwzaz) September 16, 2016
Heyyyyyy! At least Marc Jacobs is aware that white people have culture & that it consists of hair straightening!!!! Truly astounding
— s (@notforterry) September 16, 2016
So marc jacobs compared them gross sponge roller faux locs to woc straightening their hair...
— Tora Shae (@BlackMajiik) September 16, 2016
like white women dont straighten their hair
If Marc Jacobs doesn't "see color" then why did he bring up WOC straightening their hair? 🤔
— Blk Mixed With Blk (@MysticHue) September 16, 2016