Oh Polly is being called out for creating a separate Instagram page for plus size models
15 May 2019, 17:19
"They have literally ostracised everyone that isn't skinny or white."
Whilst some fashion brands are nailing it on the inclusivity front and taking a leap in the right direction, others are failing. Miserably. Case in point Oh Polly, who are being dragged for setting up an "inclusive" Instagram page dedicated to diversity, apparently.
ASOS showed a model with stomach rolls and the internet is divided
The clothing brand is a firm favourite with Instagram influencers, who often feature on their main Instagram page. However, their aesthetic is pretty clear to see β white, perma-tanned and thin.
So, that's probably why they decided to capitalise on the whole body positivity movement and set up a separate page. The brand announced they would be setting up a new Instagram account called Oh Polly Inclusive with a clear aim: "The page is about creating a community where we will spread empowering content and explore inclusive themes and ideas." Right...
The page claimed it would be posting looks created by customers and give behind the scenes access into the lives of our favourite models, whilst it also imposed a zero tolerance policy on making negative comments. Soon, Oh Polly Inclusive started sharing pictures of models with darker skin and fuller figures.
However, people criticised the brand for simply "segregating" anyone who was not white or slim from their main page. Could they not just have made their main page... more inclusive!?
It also reeked of simply jumping on the inclusivity bandwagon. Brands will include people of different shapes, sizes and shades to appear inclusive but really it's all just to make money.
Oh Polly pretty much triggered everyone on Twitter.
What in the segregation is this. What makes these women not suitable for your main page @ohpolly ? Ohpollyinclusive?? Who approved this? pic.twitter.com/2HXujEE9j9
— Alissa Ashley (@alissa_ashleyy) May 13, 2019
oh polly making a separate Instagram to be βinclusiveβ and show black/curvy girls in their pieces like why could u not just include them in ur actual instagram page π€£ trash
— james bowman (@jamesb0wman) May 14, 2019
wait so OhPolly thought that creating a whole new insta called βOhpollyinclusiveβ is inclusive ??
— YT: nataleebfitness (@nataleeb14) May 13, 2019
they have literally ostracised everyone that isnβt skinny or white
Hi @ohpolly this isnt a way of being 'inclusive' it's called segregation. Creating a whole new page to place black women is disgusting especially when the aesthetic of your main page is white women with dark tans. π΄. #poormarketing #ohpolly pic.twitter.com/ixURzMk7Hz
— Christabel Chinouriri (@mschristabelc) May 14, 2019
So OhPolly thought it would be a bright idea to make separate account dedicated to "inclusiveness"...
— MYERSLONDON. (@_scmyers) May 13, 2019
If you aren't white, slim or 'popping', that's where you'll be featured, on their 'inclusive' page π
A madness. black and non skinny people not good enough for the main page pic.twitter.com/q4DiQLNlMQ
— Follow SpotlightFirst (@ClubTolu) May 13, 2019
Itβs ridiculous and quite frankly insulting at this point
— CocoaSwatches (@CocoaSwatches) May 13, 2019
This is so disgusting. So these people arenβt good enough, to be put on their main page? π₯΄ yikes @ohpolly youβre showing yourselves and your racism. https://t.co/VPXOSqnV1l
— CLAP BAQ QUEEN (@Oloni) May 13, 2019
If you wanted to be βinclusiveβ wouldnβt you put these beautiful women on your main page? Just a question. pic.twitter.com/LyC0ANE1Tc
— Janiceπ (@janicexdenise) May 14, 2019
Someone clearly called them out on one of their Instagram posts, and they replied: "Thanks for your very valid point. This page is not just about different body types! This is about celebrating a wider range of people in our community that are not necessarily professional models or popular influencers. We will also be exploring different themes and post types with less focus on likes or engagement."
They added: "We're also going to block anyone causing drama, body shaming, being abusive to our gals or generally be negative. Feel free to comment on what you want to see more of!"
— CocoaSwatches (@CocoaSwatches) May 13, 2019
Well, the backlash obviously got too much for Oh Polly because the brand deleted the Instagram page and the tweet promoting it...