High-end fashion label Miu Miu has been forced to pull a series of items from its latest collection, after sparking controversy over some star-shaped embroidery that is featured on the designs.
Several items from Prada’s Milan-based sister label Miu Miu’s pre-fall collection included a gold five-point star bearing the name John inside it.
The placement of the star on the clothing and the label inside led many critics to say it looked like the Stars of David that Jews were forced to wear during the Holocaust.
Strange feature: Prada-owned fashion brand Miu Miu pulled a number of items from their pre-fall collection after causing an uproar with embroidered stars
Familiar symbol: Many believed that the stars and their placement on the clothing resembled the yellow badges Jews were forced to embroider on their clothing under the Nazis
One of the dresses bearing the star was snapped on display in the window of Holt Renfrew by the blogger known as Jewish Chick, who quickly brought it to the attention of her followers.
The negative reaction came quickly, with many making comparisons to the yellow six-point star Jews were forced to stitch to their clothing in Nazi Europe.
The image of the dress went viral, eventually leading the high-end Canadian boutique store to stop stocking the brand.
The other items bearing the image of the star included a denim skirt and a denim jacket, both of which were also pulled.
Off the shelves: One of the items was spotted on display by blogger Jewish Chick, who shared it with her followers
Quick reaction: The store the dress was displayed in, Hotel Renfrew, quickly stopped stocking the collection
At attention: The dress also caught the attention of the World Jewish Congress for its resemblance to the WWII-era badge
Shortly after that, Miu Miu announced that it would be removing the items from the collection.
‘It was not Miu Miu’s intent in any way to make any political or religious statement, and we apologize for any offence that may have been taken,’ said spokeswoman Preia Narendra in a statement to Jewish Chick and the World Jewish Congress.
‘Kindly note that effective immediately these items will be removed from the collection.’
Quick reaction: Miu Miu soon released a statement saying that it would be pulling all items with the star from the collection
Hitting the mark: The World Jewish Congress thanked the brand for its swift reaction
After learning the news, Jewish Chick took to her post to thank all those who helped bring the designs to public attention.
The decision was also welcomed by the World Jewish Congress, whose CEO and Executive Vice President Robert Singer said it ‘commends Miu Miu and its parent company, Prada, on its swift attention and action to the concerns we raised regarding the use of the yellow star on its clothing items.
‘At this critical time, when anti-Semitism and bigotry are rearing their heads in the public sphere, we must continue to exercise caution and show sensitivity in every sphere and sector.’