The Australian fashion retailer Best and Less has reportedly faced severe criticism after its latest catalogue was found to carry racial overtones prompting the company for a quick apology.
The cover of the retailer's latest catalogue shows a dark-skinned woman eating a watermelon and the company's Facebook followers pointed out its likeness to racial iconography used in the US in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Best and Less marketing director Jee Moon said that her team were unaware of the American stereotype when they designed the cover, which was meant to 'celebrate summer', using a diverse range of models to reflect its broad customer base, The Age reports.
She further explained that the imagery was not intended to offend anyone adding that she is not apologising for including different women and in breaking the mould.
Best and Less apologised for the misunderstanding in a Facebook post adding that they were proud to show greater diversity of ages, sizes and ethnicity in their models, which is reflective of their broad customer base.
However, not many were forgiving of the seemingly unintentional racism with one user writing that it does warrant an apology and discussion in the advertising department about people researching the possible effects of their creative choices before going to print.
While another user, Nikki Bee questioned the need for apologizing for embracing diversity, the report added.
