Bachelor in Paradise Canada season two star, Tessa Tookes, recently spoke out about a distressing experience at a bridal shop while shopping for her wedding dress.
Image source: IG/ mrjoeykirchner
Tessa expressed her frustration after the store tried to charge her extra for undergarments that matched her skin tone. Strangely, the "nude" option was offered at no additional cost. Tessa's fiancé, Joey Kirchner, took the issue to TikTok, questioning the fairness of the standard being set as white.
Image source: IG/ mrjoeykirchner
In a viral TikTok video, Joey expressed his disbelief, stating, "So, you're telling me that it's free to be white, but if my bride has a different skin tone, she has to pay extra money to get the undergarment to match her skin tone?" The video gained widespread attention, prompting a global conversation about the issue.
Image source: IG/ mrjoeykirchner
Tessa decided against buying the undergarments, informing the staff that she would have to dye them herself to match her skin tone. She shared how the experience reminded her of her childhood as a dancer, having to dye tights and ballet shoes. The situation was isolating and embarrassing, not what she expected from her bridal shopping experience.
Image source: IG/ mrjoeykirchner
Joey took the issue to the boutique, leading to an apology and acknowledgment of their mistake. The boutique offered Tessa the dress for free as a gesture of goodwill.
Despite the free dress offer, Tessa declined, expressing her intention to find a brand that aligns with her values. She emphasized the need for a broader shift in the bridal industry away from the standard of fair skin.
