The costume kit comes with hair sticks, a kimono, a revealing miniskirt and an obi sash — everything you need to dress up as a really terrible idea, critics say. (Fashion Nova)
Other cultures aren’t costumes. But try telling that to Fashion Nova, which is the latest online retailer to court controversy this Halloween, by turning traditional, ceremonial dress into sexed-up, problematic party wear.
In this case, the outrage concerns Fashion Nova’s so-called geisha ensemble.
KATE MIDDLETON'S FAMILY REMOVES 'ZOMBIE PRINCESS' COSTUME FROM WEBSITE FOLLOWING CONTROVERSY
The $50 costume kit comes with hair sticks, a kimono, a revealing miniskirt and an obi sash — everything you need to dress up as a really terrible idea, critics say.
Social-media watchdogs are slamming the costume as cultural appropriation of the hallowed Japanese geisha tradition, an art form that centers on performances from highly educated, formally trained female musicians.
In addition, some say the leg-baring costume perpetuates the common myth that geishas are sex workers.
Earlier in the season, another company, Yandy, yanked a sexy “Handmaid’s Tale” get-up after customers blasted it as a symbol of women’s oppression.
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS
Meanwhile, Yandy’s Native American-inspired costumes — still for sale — have sparked a Change.org petition supporting indigenous-heritage causes, which says the looks “grossly appropriate our culture and sacred regalia” and is asking Yandy to pull them from the market.
The petition has over 14,000 signatures to date.
Fox News Lifestyle
A look at the top-trending stories in food, relationships, great outdoors and more.
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.