'Sexy' Handmaid's Tale outfit removed from sale after backlash

Removed from sale: a 'sexy' Handmaid's Tale costume sparked a backlash
Jacob Jarvis21 September 2018

A lingerie costume based on clothing from the TV adaptation of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ has been removed from sale after a fierce backlash.

The outfit, named as a “brave red maiden costume” was removed from sale by underwear retailer Yandy, which has apologised for the offence caused.

In the series, based on the 1985 novel of the same name, women are seen as property of a dystopian state and forced to be child-bearing servants.

Though the Yandy outfit did not directly state it was a Handmaid’s Tale inspired piece its description appeared to hark to that concept.

It read: “An upsetting dystopian future has emerged where women no longer have a say. However, we say be bold and speak your mind in this exclusive Brave Red Maiden costume.”

Yandy said it was removing the costume from its site following "the sincere, heartfelt response, supported by numerous personal stories we've received".

It said it never intended for the costume to be seen as a symbol of women's oppression.

Many had questioned the existence of the item and whether creators had seen the programme or read the novel.

One stated the outfit was “sexualising a show about misogyny and rape”.

In a statement, the company said: “Yandy always has stood, and will continue to stand, at the forefront of encouraging our customers to ‘Own Your Sexy’. We support our customers being comfortable in their skin, regardless of who they are or what they choose to wear. Our corporate ideology is rooted in female empowerment, and gender empowerment overall.

“Over the last few hours, it has become obvious that our ‘Yandy Brave Red Maiden Costume’ is being seen as a symbol of women's oppression, rather than an expression of women's empowerment. This is unfortunate, as it was not our intention on any level. Our initial inspiration to create the piece was through witnessing its use in recent months as a powerful protest image.

“Given the sincere, heartfelt response, supported by numerous personal stories we've received, we are removing the costume from our site.”

It had been on sale for $64.95, around £50, before being removed from the site.

This move has been welcomed online and one said: “Have they not actually read the book or watched the show?! This is literally the uniform for rape... it should not be sexified [sic]. I’m glad they got a terrible backlash and removed it!”

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