Just a play on words - or racially offensive? Zara comes under fire for selling 'white is the new black' T-shirt



Zara has come under fire for a new T-shirt in its stores that people have interpreted as 'racist' and 'offensive'.

The design, a plain white T-shirt emblazoned with the words 'White Is The New Black,' may be a reference to TV series Orange is the New Black, or even a play on the commonly-used fashion phrase relating to a new trend, but some have taken offense at its potentially racist undertones.

One critic tweeted at the retailer: ' With all the uproar about cultural appropriation, did you really think it was a good idea to print a "White is the New Black" shirt?'

Not so clever lay on words: Zara has come under fire for this T-shirt, which some have interpreted as 'racist'

Multiple meanings: The design may be a reference to Orange is the New Black, or a play on the fashion phrase relating to a new trend, but some have taken offense at its potentially racist undertones

Another person wrote: ' Dumb, why would you think creating a shirt that says "White is The New Black" would not be controversial.'

The shirt also comes in another version that says 'Leopard is the new black,' with the first word spelled out in leopard print letters.

Some people have pointed out that Zara is based in Spain, so the slip-up could be do to misunderstanding during translation.

Others have said the phrase is simply a play on the popular saying about what's 'in' in fashion.

Running theme: The shirt also comes in another version that says 'Leopard is the new black,' with the first word spelled out in leopard print letters

In any case, the T-shirt continues to draw criticism on social media. ' Zara puts out a new shirt that says "White is the new Black" ... NO ONE in production or design team say a word??' said one person.

' Can only hope a panda will use those "white is the new black" t-shirts for a** rags,' tweeted another.