This is outrageous. I already knew that the Abercrombie and Fitch policy of only allowing beautiful people to work for them was pretty bad. They sacked a “model” I know in one of their London shops (as they like to call their staff members in order to get around the gender discrimination rules) because she had broken her finger and had to wear a splint – not perfect, therefore not wanted.
Then we see the 2006 interview with the CEO go viral in the last few days – the one in which he explained why they don’t do large sizes:-
“Candidly, we go after the cool kids. We go after the attractive all-American kid with a great attitude and a lot of friends,” he said in the article. “A lot of people don’t belong [in our clothes], and they can’t belong.”
Being part of a brand that prides itself on being exclusive is not an acceptable way to behave and no way to educate our teenagers in how to treat the rest of the world and I’m quite pleased not to have to go in there again because a) I couldn’t see anything b) I couldn’t hear anything and c) Nothing fitted me anyway.
AND whilst I’m on the subject of brands to boycott – did you know GAP and Walmart have refused to sign the new agreements on building regulations in their factories in India? H & M have apparently agreed to it so I will continue to shop there.
kelloggsville
May 19, 2013He’s an ugly bugger to be talking about body beautiful. Obviously not into practising what he preaches – prat.
Family Affairs
May 21, 2013What has he done to his face?? Too much botox do you think? Lx
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May 20, 2013Hmmm. An interesting one. Whilst I agree that sacking a girl because she broke a finger is ludicrous!, – why didn’t they just give her sick leave if she was (temporarily) below the ‘perfect’ bar. (Incidentally last time I was in the London Branch, some of the guys were well below average in the looks dept!) Anyway, A&F have always had such a strange approach to sizing; Before the London store opened and one could only buy online from the States, I always had to buy ‘small’ shirts – I’m a medium or, even large!….this was because the US clothes were over-sized to allow for the fact that Americans, in general are…let’s just say ‘larger’ than Europeans!… likewise Jeans/trousers had to be a 2 inch size under, to anything like fit.
My point is this though, if you have built a brand that is as successful as this, why should one not be able to dictate what sizes you produce, and, therefore, who can wear them?…I bet your right arm that Coco (“you can never be too thin, or too rich”) Chanel ever produced an ‘extra-large’ boucle Jacket and Skirt suit!!! Nobody is forcing anybody to buy A&F – or any other brand for that matter. Sometimes this PC thing ‘we are all the same’, malarkey goes a bit far…. don’t you think?. There always have and always will be those that fit in and those that don’t, leaders and followers, Chiefs and Indians – it’s life, get over it (or am I being too harsh)?
And, perhaps by highlighting the ‘large people’ thing, it just might make younger people think twice about that extra pizza or can of Cola. Last week there was a report (I can’t recall the actual figures) that highlighted the huge increase in under 40’s who are presenting with type 2 diabetes – this is due, almost entirely, to poor diet and lack of exercise. It is not OK to be overweight. If they were all smaller and fitter and healthier, they too could wear A&F….if they so wish.
Family Affairs
May 21, 2013Yes, all your points noted – but it’s not just about the size – it’s about looks and overall image that bothers me just as much – is the “jocks” they’re after and nobody else and frankly it’s all such a boring old uniform now that it’s not interesting – should be more about the individual don’t you think? Lx
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May 21, 2013Oh, I’m not really trying to defend his particular ethos – and yes, I agree with kellogsville – he ain’t no looker himself! There was a story about him that said he parked his Porsche outside the office in ‘exactly’ the same spot everyday, and the wheels had to be turned ‘just so’ at a particular angle…. definitely a touch of the OCD’s.
It’s just that sometimes I tire of the endless ‘we must all be inclusive’ stuff and we have to pander to everyone – and so yes, it (the brand) is boring now….it’s been so over-done – and the quality is nothing like it was. Individualism rools.
(ha ha – did I really just write that; must try to grow up. x)
Family Affairs
May 21, 2013Ha ha x