Some people are not impressed with Katy Perry right now.
Over the past few weeks, several retailers have pulled various items off their shelves for being deemed ‘blackface’ and Katy’s shoe line is joining the list.
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For those who didn’t know — Katy Perry has a footwear line.
I know, right?
For the most part, the shoes are pretty colorful and eccentric, which seem to match Katy’s bright personality.
According to her website , all designs are 100% done by her.
Not every pair of shoes was a winner, however.
Fans were pretty upset over a particular pair of black slip-ons that featured blue eyes, a nose, and large red lips.
The shoe was eventually pulled from the website, as well as its retailers.
The black shoe also has a beige counterpart with matching facial features.
The fact that it’s Black History Month simply added salt to the wound for many people.
We can’t help but wonder if anybody down the line of production thought that maybe these shoes should be reconsidered.
Sure, Katy claims to be the sole designer of these shoes.
But there’s plenty of people involved in the marketing process, and still, nobody said anything.
Some people weren’t that upset about the blackface.
But instead couldn’t grasp why anyone would want to buy these shoes in the first place.
Before they were taken off shelves, these shoes cost a pretty $129, which is even more confusing.
Imagine having disposable income to spend on racist slippers?
Can’t relate.
Some people were unbothered, and actually defended the shoes.
They considered the shoes to be “art”, and not at all blackface.
But I mean… we can call anything “art” these days right?
Me laying on the couch, sans pants, eating cold pad Thai could be “art” to some people.
Katy has since replied to the controversy in a statement claiming she was “saddened” by the whole thing.
“The Rue and The Ora were part of a collection that was … envisioned as a nod to modern art and surrealism. I was saddened when it was brought to my attention that it was being compared to painful images reminiscent of blackface .”
“Our intention was never to inflict any pain. We have immediately removed them from Katy Perry Collections.”
It’s a difficult situation to breakdown.
But anyone in fashion must know there’s been a crackdown on any questionably blackface inspired designs.
Rightfully so, of course.
It’s hard to say if it’s ignorance amongst these companies that would allow offensive designs to get the green light.
It shows a total lack of diversity and representation in fashion marketing, to say the least.
At the end of the day, it’s hard to tell a person that they can or can’t be offended by something.
What do you think? Are the shoes crossing the line, or are they “art”?
