Screenshot via Parlour Magazine

Lest you get hung up on the offensive title, the article itself goes on to describe Rihanna’s “ghetto ass,”  and reference Jamaican winters. Because obviously there’s no difference between Jamaica and Barbados (the Caribbean country Rihanna is actually from) when it comes to “niggabitch” shopping guides.

After Eva Hoeke, who was editor-in-chief of the article, got a collective tap on the shoulder from the internet to let her know that racial slurs are a touch inappropriate these days, she issued a half apology on the magazine’s Facebook page.

Translated, it read:

While the author meant no harm — the title of the article was intended as a joke — it was a bad joke, to say the least. And that slipped through my, the editor-in-chief’s, fingers. Stupid, painful and sucks for all concerned…

Furthermore I hope that you all believe there was absolutely no racist motive behind the choice of words. It was stupid, it was naive to think that this was an acceptable form of slang — you hear it all the time on tv and radio, then your idea of what is normal apparently shifts — but it was especially misguided: there was no malice behind it.

Well, that explains it! It was a joke! And of all the slang terms they could have chosen, the writer just happened to choose one which is highly offensive to black people when describing a black woman. And why would you assume there’s a racist motive when the article includes “ghetto” asses and Jamaicans?

Shockingly, Rihanna was indeed offended, found the whole thing racist, and issued a delightfully unfiltered, non-PR response on Twitter:

“I hope u can read english, because your magazine is a poor representation of the evolution of human rights! I find you disrespectful, and rather desperate!! You ran out of legit, civilized information to print! There are 1000’s of Dutch girls who would love to be recognized for their contributions to your country, you could have given them an article. Instead, u paid to print one degrading an entire race! That’s your contribution to this world! To encourage segregation, to mislead the future leaders to act in the past! You put two words together, with the intent of abasement, that made no sense…”NIGGA BITCH”?!….Well with all respect, on behalf of my race, here are my two words for you…FUCK YOU!!!” –Rihanna

After speaking with publisher Yves Gijrath, Eva Hoeke responded by resigning and issuing an even sillier justification: it’s America’s fault! Cue the world’s tiniest violins.

“The term ‘niggabitch’ came from America and we solely used it to describe a style of dress. […] I regret that I have taken a stand too quickly regarding an article in Jackie – which moreover had no racial motive at its basis. Through the course of events, me and the publisher have concluded that because my credibility is now affected, it is better for all parties if I quit my function as editor-in-chief effective immediately. After putting my heart and soul into for Jackie for eight years, I realize that these errors – although not intented maliciously – are enough reason for leaving.” – Eva Hoeke, former editor-in-chief, Jackie

Putting aside the fact that “niggabitch” is hardly an American pop culture term anywhere, even if the words make it into some songs individually, how is the racism not apparent when the term was reserved exclusively for a black woman with a “ghetto ass,” from some island (can’t be bothered to look that up) with black people? It wouldn’t have been any less offensive if it were directed towards Lady Gaga or Katy Perry, who also wear brightly colored, revealing, somewhat crazy costumes, but it wasn’t. And that seems to make things pretty black and white.

And while that should be the end of this, it isn’t.

Today, publisher Yves Gijrath clarified that Hoeke’s real mistake was not in throwing out a racist term that she at best did not know the meaning of, but in failing to defend their ignorance of using an offensive term they purportedly did not realize was offensive.

“[T]here is nothing wrong in the magazine. [Hoeke] presented it as a joke, but it most certainly was not a joke. It was an interpretation [of a fashion style]. […] She should have said: “we did not realize this interpretation is such a touchy subject. We never meant any harm and offer our sincere and upright apologies.” But because of all the fuss, Eva started to wiggle in all directions, and therefore we have come to the conclusion her credibility has been undermined.” – Yves Gijrath

{Translated quote via Jezebel}

Additionally, all these racism allegations are completely off base since “Jackie is even produced by an editorial staff that is of mixed origins.”

So there you have it. Jackie is a (racist) magazine produced by a (racist) editorial staff of various origins (nice that they can all unite around their shared ignorance), with a (racist) publisher whose head is so far up his (racist) non-ghetto ass that it’s all your fault that you got all touchy and weird over his (racist and offensive) interpretation of a pop singer’s fashion style. Nevermind that in spite of the fact that said pop star shares a style similar to many non-black pop singers, she was the only one described with this term. The previous editor may have started to realize that the (racist and offensive) article was indeed racist and not appropriate, and they prefer their (racist) staff members to stand firm and proud of the (racist and ignorant) content they produce.

Read the last paragraph with the parenthetical inclusions if you’d like the reality check version appropriate for 2011 (not 1911) of this whole, pathetic, mess.

Red hair had a bit of a resurgence in 2010 with the popularity of Mad Men star Christina Hendricks (who’s also a bottle redhead), naturally ginger haired Julianne Moore, and Rihanna’s primary colored locks. While it’s doubtful that red will replace blonde as the to-dye-for shade of celebrity (we’ll wait until Lindsay Lohan returns to her roots to make that call), it’s almost universally flattering  so we’re sure there are a few fans out there who will want to keep up with the trend.

We're not jumping on these trends, but they're still interesting.

5. The Return of the Fanny Pack

Ah, the cyclical nature of fashion can be a fantastic thing when lovable trends are re-invented and made exciting to wear again, but some fads should be left in the past (and by the past, we mean the ‘80s). This year, Rihanna was spotted wearing a fanny pack and Tory Burch even began selling them. Most of the ones we found online carried a hefty price tag, and we never thought Tory Burch would ever be making one, so weâ€ll see if the hip bag catches back on for good. If it does, then boy does whoever markets that thing deserve a pat on the back.

4. iPhone STD Testing

Researchers in the U.K. announced they were in the process of coming up with a way for young adults to test themselves for STDs by essentially inserting their own urine into their iPhones or other mobile devices. The object is to get the STD rate down by allowing for increased testing privacy. We had to put at least one IEJ topic that gives you the willies on the list.

3. Japanese Anti-Aging Goggles

One of our favorite IEJ trends this year involved brands that were essentially attempting to charge consumers for a product that did basically nothing the average person couldnâ€t do themselves for free. We thought weâ€d seen it all in the ant-aging game when British beauty brand Rodial came out with snake bite anti-aging serum, but these goggles claimed to fight wrinkles and lines by holding the skin around your eyes taut. The makers declared that holding the skin in place for an extended amount of time would cause it to stay that way. (Helpful hint: if you believe them, you can hold your skin that way using your own fingers – or a pair of swim goggles that at least you can take to the pool once you realize they donâ€t work like Botox).

2. Teva Stilettos

The Teva stilettos are meant to be tongue-in-cheek, but they are a fantastic oddity nonetheless. This fall, news spread through the blogosphere of Tevaâ€s partnership with Grey Ant to sell hiking sandal meets New Yearâ€s Eve party shoes. That horrible combination was running for more $300. ‘Nuff said.

1. The Snazzy Napper

The informational video for this thing is definitely in the top 10 most entertaining things weâ€ve ever seen. The Snuggieâ€s weird younger sister popped up across the Web this summer, and it is basically a blanket with a hole in it that is supposed to help you sleep in public. A big IEJ trend this year was strange products with huge price tags. The Snazzy Napper (aka the “snazzy way to sleep while you travel”) takes number 1 partly for the fact that it is not insanely expensive. That and itâ€s sheer WTF genius.

A fanny pack by any other name is still a bit cheesy, but at least Tory Burch's take doubles as a clutch.

One of the things we love most about fashion is its cyclical nature – the way trends come and go and are reinvented again and again, but it is always surprising when fads that seem like they are destined to be one hit wonders come creeping back into the fashion conversation.

After the fanny pack craze died with the ‘80s, there seemed to be no chance of its return, as it became the brunt of countless jokes, but low and behold, we now present to you the potential resurgence of the hands-free purse.

Pop star Rihanna was recently spotted wearing one, and so many designers have been coming out with “waist bags” or “hip bags” (read: fanny packs) lately that the consensus seems to be that fanny packs are officially back. All of the ones weâ€ve found look like the creator was attempting to make the look high fashion with extras like flower prints, metal studs and animal fabrics that are very in right now.

Rebecca Minkoff now has a $240 studded version, Tory Burch offers a $195 “hip bag” with a removable strap to double as a clutch, Zambos & Siega are showing a python print number and French Connection has a $58 retro flower print pack that is more casual. And it does not stop there: Gwen Stefani has also come up with a fanny pack design – this one with a silver zipper print. {SheFinds, The Frisky}

We never thought weâ€d live to see the day when Tory Burch made a fanny pack, and we aren’t sure what to make of it. Will you be wearing a fanny pack any time soon? All we know is if you are, it might be best not to invest in one thatâ€s over $100. Save your splurges for true classic pieces.

At top, Lil' Kim's multi-colored hair from the Crush On You video (1997) and Nicki Minaj from a recent television appearance

And in a less friendly take on the style, Lil’ Kim, who made technicolor wigs popular with videos like Crush OnYou, has taken issue with rapper Nicki Minaj reviving the style without paying homage. {MTV}

So with technicolor hair making appearances at the top of the pop stars, and a possible war of the wigs brewing, would you give brighter hues a try this summer?