Popular Canadian clothing brand blasted online for China fireworks stunt
Arc’teryx, a popular Canadian clothing brand based in Vancouver, is being blasted online following an event in China near the Tibetan Plateau.
According to reports from publications like CNN and the BBC, a multi-coloured fireworks display went off at the foothills of the Himalayas, which is what sparked the backlash.
Arc’teryx reportedly collaborated with artist Cai Guo-Qiang for the fireworks display. An official video of the display was later taken down. The blowback is a result of the potential environmental impacts on the Tibetan Plateau, which is a sensitive ecosystem.
Arc’teryx has issued an apology and published it on several of its social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram.
In its apology, Arc’teryx said that the fireworks display “was out of line with Arc’teryx’s values.”
“We’ve heard your concerns, and we share them,” the popular Canadian clothing brand said on Instagram.
“This event was in direct opposition to our commitment to outdoor spaces, who we are, and who we want to be for our people and our community. We are deeply disappointed that this happened, and apologize, full stop.”
Arc’teryx states that it’s addressing this issue directly with the artist and its local team in China and will make changes to ensure such an incident does not happen again.
The clothing brand also stated that it’s mitigating the environmental and social impacts that this event might have had.
“We are grateful to our community for holding us accountable.”
BBC reported that the artist involved has also apologized for his role in the event.
The wider community hasn’t necessarily received the apology all too well, with a flurry of comments in response, including many in Chinese. Some people suggested that Arc’teryx has blamed the China team.
One Instagram user responded, “Please don’t frame this as just the ‘China team’s fault.'”
“Arc’teryx is one global brand — you are responsible for what your brand does in every region,” they added.
“The animals that were frightened and permanently lost their habitat because of your fireworks on the Tibetan Plateau don’t use Instagram,” another Instagram user said.
One person asked, “I just want to take a moment to point out how many steps a project like this has to go through before happening… how is it possible that this made it through this many people?”
We’ve contacted Arc’teryx for comment and will update this story when we receive a response.
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