KTZ Apologises for Copied Garment
by Adriano B.
There’s a constantly plagiarism/inspiration going on in the fashion world. What is very rare is to see an apologise after doing it. And KTZ just did it.
The London-based brand wrote a letter to the Inuit great-granddaughter of a shaman, after being accused of “stealing” his design.
“They must have seen it and copied it. They even called the clothing Shaman… My great-grandfather was a very powerful and respected man and he has been used and violated. It was disgusting to see a sacred design used as a sweater… We are a proud people and our ancestors and traditions are very important to us. The way they have taken and degraded this design is unacceptable.” – Awa told The Evening Standard
This is not the first time KTZ has been criticized for using indigenous designs. The brand has “always been inspired by and paid homage to indigenous cultures and tribes around the world” and that it’s part of their DNA to “celebrate multiculturalism as a form of art and to encourage appreciation for traditions, ethnicities and religions’ diversity“.
For Awa, the apology was “bittersweet.” “I’m kind of happy about it but sad at the same time. They didn’t even mention an apology to my great-grandfather and they didn’t even offer any monetary gains to our family.”
Here is the full letter:
Dear Salome
Thank you so much for contacting us and for giving us a chance to express our point of view.
Over the last 20 years KTZ has always been inspired by and paid homage to indigenous cultures and tribes around the world.
It’s part of KTZ’s DNA to celebrate multiculturalism as a form of art and to encourage appreciation for traditions, ethnicities and religions’ diversity.
At the time the piece in question was released (January 2015) the Inuit community was credited in our press release and online features, for example http://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/fall-2015-menswear/ktz
KTZ is a very small UK based company – with a team counting less than 15 people employed across the globe and with ethnic backgrounds ranging from Macedonian, Greek, Portuguese, Polish, German, Italian, Dutch, Japanese, Nigerian, Chinese and Indonesian. Our work is never intended to offend any community or religion.
We sincerely apologise to you and anyone who felt offended by our work as it certainly wasn’t our intention.
We have already removed the item from sale online and will remove the item in question from our stores.
Kindest regards
KTZ
Introducing COLLECTIF AUCUN
Nixonbui Debut Campaign
We talk to Kristopher Cantu, founder and creative director of the knitwear clothing brand that has taken social media by storm, Knitwrth.
UNNA dropped a new line of running gear that’s all about comfort and keeping things light.
It’s a story of rescue, reinvention, and relentless dedication to sustainability.
During the Balenciaga Summer 2024 Venice installation, 14 distinct styles of the coveted Rodeo Bag await customers.
Antoine at Humankind Mgmt photographed by Schaël Marcéus and styled by Keegan Lathe-Leblanc, in exclusive for Fucking Young! Online.
Japanese fashion house Comme des Garçons presents a collection of wallets with Denim Tears, the brand founded by Tremaine Emory.
Jacquemus unveiled the campaign for its “LE MARIAGE” collection, photographed by Oliver Hadlee Pearch and styled by Katie Burnett.
Whether you need a statement piece or a functional accessory, the Tres table collection offers both, blending art with everyday use in a simple yet sophisticated way.
Dior Men is introducing a new capsule collection that brings a contemporary twist to its classic Cannage pattern.
French fashion house Jean Paul Gaultier announces its next RTW collaboration with designer Shayne Oliver.
A hub of creative activity and dialogue where diverse perspectives converge to inspire meaningful conversations and stimulate cultural exchange.
American brand Aimé Leon Dore presents its Spring/Summer 2024 campaign called “The World’s Borough”.
American fashion and sports companies Bode and Nike jointly design a clothing collection.
Japanese fashion house Comme des Garçons, creatively directed by Rei Kawakubo, presents its first collection of Made in Italy handbags.
The campaign captures the essence of a surfer’s adventure in search of the perfect wave, set along the stunning North Cornish coastline.
In the heart of Velásquez’s design philosophy lies a commitment to exploring personal space and challenging societal norms.
Photographer Luis Ayora brings us a selection of the best looks photographed in the streets of Barcelona during 080 Barcelona Fashion, in exclusive for Fucking Young!
The collaboration between Acne Studios and Frédéric Malle is unique because it’s founded on a mutual understanding and approach to art.
This collection is a call to claim your space in the running world, to be part of a team that runs not just to compete, but to connect.
“Effortless Elegance” brings together the best of Givenchy’s heritage and the simplicity of modern design.
The 10XL is all about going big with style while staying true to athletic roots.
With only 40 pieces available, each with its own number, this rug is as exclusive as it gets.
This event is all about getting ready for 4/20, with Snoop inviting everyone to grab their favorite snacks.
Milan’s design scene is buzzing with the latest “The Art of Dreams” exhibition at Palazzo Clerici.
Leonardo Hanna Azrak photographed by Alejandro Arrias & David Bravo and styled by Antonio Hard, in exclusive for Fucking Young! Online.
The WRPD Runner is gearing up to be a big hit for those who love a mix of tech and style in their shoes.
In the heart of Milan’s fashion district, Gucci’s flagship store on Via Monte Napoleone has become the stage for a fusion of past and future.
Stas & Vlad Bukuyazov photographed by Arthur Iskandarov and styled by Egor Telenchenko, in exclusive for Fucking Young! Online.
DAVID CATALÁN unveiled its Spring/Summer 2024 campaign photographed by Dulce Daniel and styled by Paulo Cravo.
Balenciaga has once again proven its mastery over the temporal with the re-introduction of one of its most iconic product lines, Le City.