Lululemon's founder slams the athleisure apparel company for incorporating diversity, equity and inclusion into its marketing, calling models in ads “unhealthy,” “sickly” and “uninspiring.” Said it looks like.
Lululemon's billionaire founder Chip Wilson, who has a history of infuriating the woke news media with his public statements, told Forbes in a recent interview that he was unhappy with the direction of Lululemon. , said the brand is “trying to be like Gap.” Everything for everyone. ”
“I think the definition of a brand is that you're not everything to everyone,” Wilson said. “You have to make it clear that you don’t want certain customers coming into your store.”
He said the models in the ads looked “unhealthy” and “sick” and slammed the retailer's “whole diversity and inclusion philosophy”. Some of them are “not inspiring,” he said.
Lululemon featured plus-size models to promote clothing for overweight people.
Wilson stepped down as CEO in 2013 and left the board two years later.
“Chip Wilson does not speak for Lululemon and his comments do not reflect our views or beliefs,” a Lululemon spokesperson said. Said New York Post.
“We have made considerable progress since launching our Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Action (IDEA) function and are proud of the goals we have achieved.”
In the past, Wilson hasn't been shy about voicing his opinions when it comes to sports apparel.
In 2013, a company told Bloomberg News that its line of yoga pants were not suitable for all women's bodies after customers complained that they were see-through.
“Because even our small size fits our extra large size. It's more about the thigh rub and how much you use it,” he said.
Mainstream news media interpreted his rather harsh comments as “fat shaming.”
