New Zealand designer Dame Trelise Cooper has apologised on Facebook for using Native American headdresses in a catwalk show, saying it was a "fun thing" she saw while travelling in America and Ibiza.
There was a furious reaction on social media during New Zealand Fashion Week, after the internationally-acclaimed designer posted this photo describing the headdresses as "70's bohemian vibes".
Canadian-born comedian Jeremy Elwood also spoke out on Twitter.
Is @trelisecooper seriously using First Nations headdress at #NZFW14?
Maori culture museum curator Puawai Cairns was scathing of the move.
Reading comments on Trelise Cooper's facey about the 'bohemian vibe' war bonnet. This is why I hate nostalgia. White people pick n mix.
And there were others who wanted to point out the designer's cultural blindness.
Trelise Cooper alters pic of her model wearing a Native American headdress as her intention is not to be racist.
It saw the designer issue an apology on her Facebook page on Wednesday morning.
The apology's comments are split between those who applauded Dame Trelise backdown and those that think it wasn't offensive.
In a similar move in June, US singer Pharrell apologised for wearing a headdress on the cover of Elle (UK).
