Trelise Cooper apologises over headdress at Fashion Week

Kiwi fashion designer Trelise Cooper has apologised after causing an online outrage when she used traditional Native American headdress in her show at New Zealand Fashion Week last week.

Her models strutted the runway adorned with the headdresses, also known as warbonnets – a ceremonial head garment worn by Native Americans on culturally significant occasions and typically by those who have earned them through selfless acts as a symbol of their prestige and honour.

Kiwi filmmaker and funny man Taika Waititi posted this comment in response to a photo of the show on Trelise Cooper’s Facebook: “I think I understand what Trelise means by ‘70s vibes’ – a time when it was cool to be culturally insensitive and racism was super awesome. Nice throw back to better times, babe, we native people celebrate with you!!!”

Anna Smith, a 21-year-old barista from Hamilton said: “Using something that isn’t made for that purpose and just for fashion seems kind of heartless.”

“They did that for R&V (Rhythm and Vines music festival) as well. They posted a picture of people wearing the Native American headdress and they had to take it down because everyone was like ‘that’s racist’.”

Tumai Hope, a 22-year-old fashion enthusiast of Hamilton, said: “She should have asked first or maybe let people know because it’s a culture thing. They should respect the culture.”

“It’s like having a korowai. In the Māori world it’s tapu, it’s sacred. It’s not for anything, it’s for a special cause and a special reason. If there’s no special cause and no special reason then you should not do it.”

Responding to widespread online criticism Trelise issued an apology via Facebook: “I unreservedly apologise and regret any offence I have caused through using Native American Head Dress in my catwalk show. I genuinely respect and honour all cultures, races and religions. It was never my intention to disrespect another culture. It is my hope that through my mistake and ignorance, like me, people now know and are aware of the Sacredness of the head dress to Native Americans. To those who I have offended, I sincerely apologise.”

This all comes after recent international incidents involving the fashion industry and their appropriation of Native American culture, leading to harsh criticisms from the public and subsequent apologies by various trend setting giants.

Musician Pharell Williams and Elle UK magazine sparked controversy leading to apologies when the singer donned a headdress for the cover of their July 2014 issue.

Victoria’s Secret also got into trouble in 2012 when one of their models sported a headdress at a show causing public condemnation that prompted apologies