Ankle Shackles
Adidas abandoned plans to sell a pair of shoes featuring an ankle cuff that resembled a shackle this week after critics objected to the slavery symbolism implicit in the design. This isn’t the first time a brand has had to pull an item of clothing from the market because of bad taste, not bad design. From Nazi-reminiscent Stars of David to pro-anorexia mottos: What fashion statements should designers avoid?
Evoking slavery is generally a bad idea even when, like Adidas, you’re collaborating with an outrageous fashion designer like Jeremy Scott. Scott explained in a statement that his work “has always been inspired by cartoons, toys–my childhood.” The infamous shackle shoes were supposed to recall the 1980s doll “My Pet Monster.” Still, it’s hard to imagine anyone eager to walk a mile in a slave’s shoes
