Forever 21's fashion faux pas?

The popular fashion chain divides online users over it's new line of T-shirts.

Storified by AJAMStream· Fri, Sep 20 2013 13:34:44

breakingvip.com

Patti LaHelle posted a video response questioning the clothing design and promotion methods:

Forever 21 releases "Straight Outta Compton" merchandise...but for who?VDQ-WBDabuINmkwO9ODkSA

Some scrutinized the retailer's choice of models:

@idissHYPE @Forever21 that's cray cray I don't mind the white model she's gorgeous but um Latinos and blacks is what u see in ComptonDiamora Hunt

@piesandmiles and my main problem 2) ignoring POC and the poor, refusing to hire our models, all while capitalizing on us is a problem.Christel

Others were critical of what they saw as a commodification of black culture.

The truth is black culture is popular, black people are not. Is anyone else offended by the forever 21 str8 outta Compton ad?Marlin Jones

Doesn't Forever21 print Bible verses on the bottom of their bags? But they'll make a buck off NWA with no problem, huh?O is for Obfuscation

A few people pointed out that there is currently no Forever 21 store in Compton, California.

There isn't even a Forever 21 in ComptonCarlos Stranger

There's not even a forever21 in Compton! RT @RavennaWhite They didn't even use a black model. GREAT Scott!!!

forever 21 compton - Google MapsFind local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps

Others expressed disbelief at the amount of outrage garnered by the shirts.

People are mad Forever 21 has NWA Shirts?... So I assume we are going to stop wearing white artist t-shirts in protestBaeside Tigers, C

Nooo idea RT @urbnstylista: why is there outrage over the Forever 21 Compton line?Kim Possible

The controversy didn't stop a few from expressing their intent to add the shirts to their closets.

I'd buy that Forever21 NWA shirtShanna.

Forever 21 has NWA stuff?? Awesome!!! sign me the hell up~*BeebeBluff*~

Ooo i want that compton shirt RT "@TrillSmith: Look at forever21 http://twitter.com/PattiLaHelle/status/380835574640156672/photo/1"DeeLightful

The Stream reached out to Forever 21 for comment but did not receive a response at the time of this article's publishing.