Fashion

6 of the Biggest Urban Outfitters Controversies

Insert an exhausted sigh here, here, and here. It had been a few months since an Urban Outfitters scandal, so it was about time they had another controversy. The retailer announced Thursday that they'd be pulling their line of prescription drug-themed products, which, of course, shouldn't have even existed in the first place. In the name of nostalgia, let's look back on all the times Urban has had to say, "Oops! Our bad!"

by Michelle King

Oh, Urban Outfitters. Will you ever learn?

Insert an exhausted sigh here, here, and here. It had been a few months since an Urban Outfitters scandal, so it was about time they had another controversy. The retailer announced Thursday that they'd be pulling their line of prescription drug-themed products, which, of course, shouldn't have even existed in the first place. In the name of nostalgia, let's look back on all the times Urban has had to say, "Oops! Our bad!"

Scott Eells/Getty Images News/Getty Images

Prescription Drug-Themed Products

Perhaps the worst part about these drug-themed products is how they're designed for alcohol consumption. Now, I don't think the retail giant is actually suggesting that their shoppers mix pills and beer, but...did no one think that might be a bad idea?

Pro-Booze Shirts

Here's the thing: This shirt isn't offensive on its own, but considering many of UO's core demo can't even legally drink, well, that's maybe not the smartest move. The shirts—which also included "I Vote for Vodka," "Misery Loves Alcohol," and "I Drink You're Cute"—riled up anti-underage-drinking advocates...but Urban keeps on sellin' 'em.

The "Jewish Star" shirt

There's no grey area here. The six-pointed star badge here looked waaaay too much like the Star of David patch Jews were forced to wear during the the Holocaust. After the shirt caught the attention of the Anti-Defamation League, Urban quickly stopped selling it.

"Navajo" Fashion

The Navajo Nation holds 12 trademarks on the word "Navajo," and, yet, Urban felt A-OK about branding a swath of sundresses and t-shirts with the label. At least they stuck to the safer products in their line. Oh, about that...see the "Navajo Hipster Panty".

The "Eat Less" Shirt

Does this even merit an explanation? We'll pass on commenting, just like consumers passed on buying this one.

Stealing Designs

Why reward an independent artist when you can just steal their design, amirite? That was the thought process of UO stealing the designs of artist Stevie Koerner, who created the pictured "I Heart Destination" necklace.

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