Fashion brand Mango is criticised for choosing Kendall Jenner to represent African inspired collection

'Mango should support people whose cultures inspire its collections'

Mango have been on the receiving end of criticism for casting the US supermodel (mango)

The Spanish fashion brand Mango has been criticised for casting Kendall Jenner as the face of their new African Tribal Spirit collection.

Critics have questioned the decision to use a white model to represent a collection inspired by Africa.

Xavier Tio, the head of the Udutama Association, an organisation that supports minorities in Spain has condemned the move.

“Mango should support people whose cultures inspire its collections. It would be a nice way to return the favour.

“It would have been a wise decision to hire an African model, and the campaign would have had more success in the media,” he said to La Vanguardia newspaper.

Mango have described the Tribal Spirit range, which is due to be released in Barcelona in February as an “ethnic-inspired trend” which features “an abundance of accessories to produce outfits of a tribal and free-spirited influence”.

Speaking to Women’s Wear Daily, Mango’s Vice President, Daniel López, confirmed he thought the American supermodel was the most fitting person for the collection.

“We thought that she was the best model to embody this trend.

“And obviously the upside is that, as a model, she’s very professional, she works fantastically. As a celebrity she has huge repercussions in the market and among her followers”.

The reality TV star-turned-model, who has garnered a following of 47.5 million people on Instagram, has also released a statement about being selected for the campaign.

“I am delighted to have been chosen to present the Tribal Spirit part of the collection.

“I love wearing the designs, fabrics and shapes - they really speak of the allure of nature which I know this collection was inspired by”.

But critics have taken to Twitter to express their anger at the decision to select Jenner for a fashion collection focused on African tribal style.

When contacted by The Independent, Mango declined further comment.