Victoria's Secret removes 'geisha' line following racism accusations

ISTANBUL

Victoria's Secret supermodels Candice Swanepoel and new face Bregje Heinen. Photo by Dennis Van Tine / ABACAUSA.COM

Lingerie giant Victoria's Secret has been forced to remove its recent Go East line after one of the outfits sparked angry claims of racism, the Daily Mail has reported.
 
The outfit, named "Sexy Little Geisha," was advertised as "your ticket to exotic adventure" and featured one of the brand's models wearing a mesh teddy and obi belt while holding a fan. Chopsticks were also used in the model's hair.
 
Social media responded harshly to the ad, accusing Victoria's Secret of racism and "orientalism." Bloggers and critics alike found the new campaign offensive. One website, called Racialicious, defined the promo as "a troubling attempt to sidestep authentic representation of a culture and opt instead for racialized fetishizing against Asian women.
 
The Go East line, including the "Sexy Little Geisha" outfit, was quickly removed from the brand's website.