WHO would have ever thought they’d create a merch line for Rosa Parks?
While the Civil Rights leader deserves the recognition, it’s not what you’d expect.
Fashion fans chastised a brand for the bikini set they named after the activist, calling it “disrespectful.”
Divino Seas, a swimwear company, named a strappy bikini top and a matching bottom in its collection after Parks.
The “Rose” set comes in light pink and sea salt. The bikini top, originally $90, has already sold out in both colors.
“Inspired by the woman whose righteous rebellion against apartheid-style segregation in the United States sparked the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s,” the site said.
“In honor of Rosa Parks, DivinoSeas has included this artesian-inspired salute to haute couture in the domain of luxury swimwear.
“ROSA is meticulously designed with divinity in the details.
“Every element in the constellation of her composition contributes to the sets’ seductive yet stately gravitas.”
The brand has also dedicated a two-piece set, available in six shades, after former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.
“Named after America’s most famous first lady, the honorable, noble nominee Eleanor Roosevelt, who controversially condemned fascist dictatorships at a politically inopportune time,” the site said.
“This uniquely textured Legacy Line item likewise goes against the grain of the zeitgeist while embracing the truth through body positivity via comfort and quality.”
Critics on X, formerly known as Twitter, slammed the brand, deeming the dedication to Parks inappropriate.
“Every day, we inch closer to dystopian. WTAF,” said one X user.
“Trying to capitalize off of a leading figure in the Civil Rights movement and profit off of exploiting Rosa Parks legacy… by using her name to sell a BIKINI… that’s just horrendous,” said another.
“Corporations have no ends to the layers of embalmments of their avarice. Disrespectful!”
“Just asked my friend if he’d seen the Rosa Parks bikini,” said one commenter in disbelief.
“What kind of world are we in?”
“This is exactly what I expect from feminism in 2024,” said a third.
Some chose to see the humor in the situation.
“RIP Rosa Parks, you would have loved this stripper bikini top,” said one commenter.
“The most perfect Juneteenth bikini,” joked another.
“Truly beautiful, this is what progress looks like,” deadpanned a third.
“To be fair, Rosa Parks would’ve looked so hot in this,” said a fourth.
One commenter took up an issue with an entirely different aspect of the bikini.
“If somebody made a 100% synthetic anything in my ‘honor,’ I’d be SO p*ssed,” they said.