At first glance, it looked like another cozy addition to the Bath & Body Works winter assembly.
But soon after the release of their candle “Snowed In”, the wave began to suspect growth online. Was it a really innocent seasonal design, or did it bring a terrifying resemblance to something much darker in American history?
The controversy had many consumers questioned how such a product has ever made designing design – and whether it was just a careless mistake or something more worrying.
One simple life pleasure for many people is the burning of fragrant candles.
Whether for relaxation, atmosphere or smell, candles have a way to feel good – and work on baths and bodies have long been a popular destination for such soothing products.
However, the company recently found itself in the center of controversy after its winter with the theme “Snowed In”. While the candle was supposed to evoke cozy, snowy vibrations, many customers quickly pointed to the worrying visual similarity in their design.
Shortly after the candle hit the shelves, social media users began to express concern and claimed that the white shapes on the candle cover were reminiscent of pointed hoods traditionally associated with Ku Klux clan.
Bath & Body Works responded by issuing an apology and stating that the similarity was completely unintentional. Yet the will continued and many of them asked how the design was approved in the first place.
The candle, which contained three wicks and a decorative pattern that was supposed to represent paper snowflakes, caused extensive criticism.
The observers noted that the design seemed to include shapes with pointed peaks and two eye holes – the extremely reminiscent of the hood wearing KKK.
The controversy has gained traction across the main platforms of social media and even on the Reddit brand website. Some users sarcastically dubbed the product “Christmas candle clan”, while others asked how such images could unnoticed during production.
In response to public screams, Bath & Body Works quickly removed the candle “Snowred In” from its website and all retail places. The company issued an official statement:
 “At Bath & Body Works, we are determined to listen to our teams and customers and correct any mistakes we make, even unintentional, as this.
Interestingly, several customers who bought a candle before it was dragged began to introduce it to eBay for $ 350. Given that the design of the candles was not explicitly racist, eBay allowed the lists to stay. Platform spokesman clarified:
 “EBAY principles prohibit statements that use racist language or images. Items that do not mean these rules may remain available.”
Although it is not clear whether the similarity was an unfortunate accident or an overlooked defect in design, the incident caused ongoing conversations about awareness, cultural sensitivity and responsibility in the design of the product.
Hopefully it serves as a moment of learning for the brand and supports more sophisticated control in future editions.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding the bath and the body “snow in” the candle serves as a sharp reminder of the importance of sensitivity and awareness of the design of the product. While society claims that the similarity to Ku Klux Klan’s paintings was unintentional, public will emphasizes how easily overlooked details can lead to significant damage and crime.
Rapid removal of the product and the issued apology shows the willingness to take responsibility, but the incident is undeniably shaken by consumer confidence. Moving forward is clear that societies must perform greater diligence and cultural consciousness to prevent similar incorrect steps – and to ensure that products to bring comfort eventually do not cause need.