Model Aspiring? Abercrombie CEO Scandal

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Post on Oct 23, 2024

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Model Aspiring? Abercrombie CEO's Scandalous Past

Remember those Abercrombie & Fitch catalogs from the early 2000s? The ones with the buff, tanned models sporting preppy clothes? Well, the company's CEO, Michael Jeffries, wasn't just obsessed with a certain look - he was downright discriminatory.

It all came out in 2003. Jeffries, in an interview with Salon magazine, made some seriously cringeworthy statements. "We go after the cool kids. We go after the attractive all-American kid with a great attitude and a lot of friends." He even admitted to intentionally excluding "large people" from their target demographic.

Yikes.

This wasn't just some off-the-cuff comment. Abercrombie's hiring practices reflected this "cool kids" philosophy. They actively avoided hiring people of color and promoted a "look" that was exclusive and narrow. This led to several lawsuits, including one by a blind applicant who claimed he was denied a job because of his disability.

It's no surprise that Abercrombie faced serious backlash. They were accused of reinforcing harmful beauty standards and promoting an exclusionary, elitist culture. Even their clothing was criticized for being too revealing and sexually suggestive.

But it wasn't all bad. The scandal actually forced Abercrombie to rethink their approach. They hired a new CEO, Fran Horowitz, who was committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity. This shift towards a more welcoming image was a major turning point for the brand.

The scandal had a lasting impact on the fashion industry. It highlighted the need for diversity and inclusivity in all areas of the industry, from marketing to product design. It also raised questions about the ethics of branding and the importance of representing a wider range of people.

So, what's the takeaway? Don't be like Michael Jeffries. Be inclusive, be kind, and most importantly, be yourself. And if you ever find yourself in the position of hiring someone, remember that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.