Fashion: A.P.C. Names Part of Its Collection ‘N*ggas in Paris’ Gets Dropped By Timberland

Jean Touitou, the founder of A.P.C., displayed his latest collection in Paris yesterday but not many were happy with his presentation. After introducing three models all wearing the A.P.C. collection along with A.P.C. designed Timberlands, the designer held up a sign that read, ‘Last Niggas in Paris’ and then said:

‘I call this one look Last N****s in Paris. Why? Because it’s the sweet spot when the hood—the ‘hood—meets Bertolucci’s movie Last Tango in Paris. So that’s ‘N****s in Paris’ and Last N****s in Paris. [Nervous laughter from audience.] Oh, I am glad some people laughed with me. Yes, I mean, it’s nice to play with the strong signifiers. The Timberland here is a very strong ghetto signifier. In the ghetto, it is all the Timberlands, all the big chain. Not at the same time—never; it’s bad taste. So we designed Timberlands with Timberland…’ -Jean Touitou

Well, apparently Timberland was not very happy with Touitou’s statement as they responded:

‘Yesterday we became aware of the offensive remarks made by Jean Touitou during his A.P.C. Fall Menswear show in Paris. We have chosen to immediately terminate our involvement with the A.P.C. brand, including the footwear collaboration we had planned for this fall.’

‘Simply stated, this kind of language and approach is in complete contrast with our values. Timberland seeks to collaborate with designers and brands who are at the forefront of lifestyle trends; equally important, they must also share our values. We will not tolerate offensive language or racial slurs of any kind being associated with the Timberland brand.’ –Timberland’s President Stewart Whitney