Katy Perry removes two shoe styles due to blackface controversy

Designers are starting to become more mindful about the
connotations associated with design motifs.

After Gucci apologized last week for selling a black, high-necked
jumper that can be pulled over the face and shoppers noted the
similarities between a Prada trinket and blackface imagery, pop
star-turned-footwear entrepreneur Katy Perry has pulled two items from
her recent collection.

The shoes in question, a mule called the Rue Face slip-on loafer
and the Ora Face block-heel sandal, both feature stylized facial
designs and came in black, gold and beige.

The brand has removed both styles from its site, as some have
noticed that with the black background, the metallic appliques
representing eyes, a triangular nose and exaggerated lips bear a
striking resemblance to racist blackface imagery.

While other retail partners have taken the shoes down from their
e-commerce sites, Forever 21 still has the Rue Face loafer available
as of 5 p.m. EST on Monday, though discounted from 129 to 89
dollars.

Photos: Forever21.com