Share

Kendall Jenner's latest Adidas Originals ad just received a ton of (unfounded) hate

accreditation

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.

Venus reborn @KendallJenner for #ORIGINALis

A post shared by adidas Originals (@adidasoriginals) on

According to Harper's Bazaar, Kendall also posted a follow up on Twitter:

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:

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:

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.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE