Kendall simply can't do an ad without getting flack for it, it seems. And while she often deserves it (we will #neverforget that Pepsi disaster), this time it seems to be a storm in a teacup.
Read: Kendall, Pepsi, and a can of worms
Adidas Originals used the model in their recent "Original is never finished" campaign. Business Insider notes that backlash ensued after the brand posted a preview of the campaign on Instagram.
According to Harper's Bazaar, Kendall also posted a follow up on Twitter:
A glimpse at the future. #ORIGINALis #adidas_Ambassador @adidasOriginals pic.twitter.com/sBGRUPz6od
— Kendall (@KendallJenner) August 11, 2017
Why the backlash?
People felt that Jenner did not reflect the brand's originality message - mainly because she's not an athlete and the brand is known for its iconic sportswear.
Read: Controversy surrounds Kendall and Kylie Jenner again with offensive rapper t-shirts
Many posted disdain on social media, saying:
On Instagram (also see embedded above):
@alicethedestroyerGeez, at least use someone who's toned. The only muscle she uses is her suck dick muscles so she can get these ad campaigns
Nice, Alice. Real feminist of you.
On Twitter:
Kendall Jenner???? Really?!??? There is NOTHING original about having this ridiculous image front your brand...come on adidas!! Do better!!
— ??CJ?? (@ceeja68) August 13, 2017
Yet many argue that Originals is much more geared towards the atleisure/streetwear scene than athletics:
On Instagram (also see embedded above):
@just__ty Trying to figure out the backlash??? Kendall is not an athlete and @adidasoriginals is not an athletic component but more of a street wear component (think Nmd not ultra boost).. "A longtime fan of the brand, Kendall embodies the spirit of Adidas Originals as a creative force shaping the world today by challenging the status quo in her very own way," a representative for the brand said. "A classic icon, Kendall is a true Original and we welcome her to our family."
On Twitter:
@KendallJenner @adidasoriginals ppl are upset that she is the new face of adidas? but how many ppl wearing adidas are athletes? Get over it
— Misty (@mistynites73) August 13, 2017
Despite the unhappiness, Adidas has defended their choice of Jenner, saying to Business Insider that:
"A longtime fan of the brand, Kendall embodies the spirit of Adidas Originals as a creative force shaping the world today by challenging the status quo in her very own way," a representative for the brand said. "A classic icon, Kendall is a true Original and we welcome her to our family."
I agree, Originals stands for just that, individuals expressing themselves via their style, in everyday life. Caster's not gonna be running track in a pair of Stan Smith's.
TIP: Love Adidas Originals? Check out Area 3 in Bree Street for some cool upcoming art projects.