Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, is from a family who made their fortune selling party supplies.
Now her parents have come under fire for selling ‘sexy’ children’s costumes.
The 35-year-old Duchess of Cambridge’s parents, Carol, 62, and Michael, 68, are selling costumes that some are deeming inappropriate for children on their website Party Pieces.
Costumes include a Little Red Ridinghood costume, that comes in sizes 4-6 years, 6-8 years and 8-10 years.
One of the images advertising the costumes shows a girl wearing a mini-skirt and corset-like top with high heeled shoes and a full face of make-up including red lipstick.
The child poses with her hand on her hip, smiling at the camera. The “Lil Red Ridinghood” costume is £10.
British parenting site ChannelMum.com did a survey of parents, and 98 percent said they would not allow their children to wear costumes such as these.
Another image of a ‘Tin Heartthrob’ costume, which starts at age 10 – 12, shows a costume with cut out area about the chest, showing skin, a corset style body, a mini skirt and the model is wearing make up and posing with her hand on her hip.
A ‘Fallen Angel’ teen costume that starts at age 12 features fishnet nights, a mini skirt and fishnet gloves. The model poses with heavy makeup, including smudged eyeliner and lipstick, with knee high lace up boots.
Express.co.uk sent the images to the NSPCC, who stated in their professional opinion: “These days children are increasingly being exposed to sexual images and settings at a far younger age and in more places than ever before, including on music videos and TV shows, online and even through fancy dress costumes.
“The NSPCC would always encourage parents to carefully consider what’s appropriate for their child and the possible impact of dressing them in an adult way. Retailers should also be asking themselves similar questions before putting these products on sale.”
ChannelMum.com founder Siobhan Freegard said: “Halloween maybe the second biggest event for retailers after Christmas – but it should be about having harmless fun not encouraging children to wear horrible and even highly inappropriate outfits.”
“Stores have become more responsible on everyday clothing, and dressing up should be no different. There is no excuse for putting profit before children’s welfare.”
Party Pieces recently celebrated 30 years in the business of supplying party goods.
The “About Us” page shows a large image of Carole Middleton, surrounded by children at a party.
The page states: “Party Pieces was born the same year as my son James, 1987. After spending 3 years working for British Airways in Jordan, we decided it was time to return to the UK for Catherine’s schooling.
“At that time there was very little partyware available on the high street, and being a mum who was new to hosting children’s parties, finding the simplest of things like party bags was a real challenge.” [sic]
One disgruntled Twitter user tweeted the party supplies company, and said: “Thanks but no thanks. Sexy kid costumes are revolting. #partypieces #middleton.”
Many of the costumes, including the Lil Red Ridinghood costume, are made of 100 per cent polyester.
Campaigners have warned against flammable costumes. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service released a video last year which shower 100 per cent polyester outfits catching alight in 1- seconds.
Express.co.uk contacted Party Pieces an asked them to provide a comment on the fact that the costumes has been criticised for sexualising children by the NSPCC. Twenty fours later they still have not responded.
Daily Express :: Life and Style Feed
