There’s no shortage of ‘sexy’ Halloween costume ideas out there – sexy cat, sexy firefighter, sexy Supreme Court justice – but this week, a US retailer discovered that the internet will apparently draw the line at a sexy Handmaid’s Tale look.
[jwplayer RfLMYyUD]
Online lingerie store Yandy recently put a “Brave Red Maiden Costume” up for sale on its site. Consisting of a hooded cloak, a bonnet and a thigh-revealing short skirt, the look was inspired by the dystopian Margaret Attwood novel and subsequent TV series.
The show tells the story of a future in which women are enslaved, stripped of their rights and forced to breed by a totalitarian government. The series has become a popular hit, and clearly a number of people were upset by the juxtaposition of these heavy themes and a sexy costume.
You guys, @yandy is selling a “sexy handmaiden” costume and I think I’m going to be sick. They didn’t have one person there to say this might not be a good idea?? pic.twitter.com/sgAutNNA7z
— Professor B (@cynthiaboaz) September 20, 2018
The $64.95 costume, advertised along with the message “be bold and speak your mind”, drew sufficient complaints that Yandy pulled it from sale soon after it went up, making a statement saying:
“[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.”
They continued:
“… 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.”
Today: Slutty Handmaid’s Tale Costume. Tomorrow: Slutty Global Warming. pic.twitter.com/bLr7s1owOX
— Kashana (@kashanacauley) September 20, 2018
The third season of The Handmaid’s Tale is expected next year.
