John Lewis has pulled a child’s party dress named “Lollita” from sale after facing backlash from consumers.
The Chi Chi London Lollita Party Dress was for sale on the retailer's website for £50 and was for children aged three to 11 years old.
The name is similar to 1955 novel Lolita, written by Vladimir Nabokov, which outlines how a middle-aged professor abused a 12-year-old girl.
John Lewis ‘Lollita’ dress faces backlash on social media
If you were going to think of a name for a child’s party dress, what would you NOT call it? pic.twitter.com/yppG3Lgu3z
— Victoria Coren Mitchell (@VictoriaCoren) December 9, 2021
Television presenter Victoria Coren Mitchell tweeted about the dress to her followers.
She said: “If you were going to think of a name for a child’s party dress, what would you NOT call it?”
Replying to her tweet, one person said: “That’s grotesque and vile.”
Another person added: “I would not be able to buy it with that name. Crazy to call it that. The dress is very pretty but I couldn’t.”
One Twitter user stated it was different to the novel due to having two “ls” in the name.
John Lewis issue statement
The description of the dress, which was previously on John Lewis’ website, said: “This dress is sure to become a partywear favourite.
“Lined with satin for a soft and comfortable finish, this pretty dress features delicate metallic embroidery, scalloped edges and a chiffon skirt with tulle underlay that’s perfect for twirling on the dance floor.”
Chi Chi London is a fashion brand which stocks its clothes with the department store.
The dress does not appear on the company’s website either.
A spokeswoman from John Lewis said: “We removed this product from sale as soon as it was brought to our attention and we apologise for the upset caused.”
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