Gucci announces the opinion of woolen sweaters in black «balaclavas jumper» from the collection «Autumn-Winter 2018», which could see a hint of Blackface. Finding creative designers caused a negative response in society, which the luxury fashion brand decided to abandon it.
What in the name of fashion is this???
‘Recently, the luxury brand Gucci launched new knitwear in its winter collection called the balaclava sweater and it reminded people of blackface’!
A burka Or a sweater?#ThursdayThoughts #empoweringwomen #femaleempowerment pic.twitter.com/TbLRUC3wrY
— BEHIND THE WOMAN MIDLIFE HEALTH & WELLBEING (@behindthewoman1) February 7, 2019
Wool jumper with black «balaclavas jumper» closed the lower half of the face and had a red neck around the mouth.
«Colourful knitted balaclavas similar to vintage ski mask, give the mystery of the clothes from this collection», — was stated in the product description.
But social media users shared posts where the image was named offensive and racist.
«I remember learning racist ad in history classes in College that would never be published today. Jumper reminded me of them,» wrote the Proud Mommy #Survivor Twitter.
@gucci ur racist AF for this add. I remember racist advertisements from studying history in college that would never fly today. When ur sweater was advertised the 1st thing that came to mind was this soap! Exactly U knew wtf u were doing horrible and thats #Facts pic.twitter.com/Bj6CWozzm2
— Proud Mommy #Survivor (@AuroraTheGoddes) February 7, 2019
«Gucci apologizes if anyone felt sweaters from the new collection offensive,» reads the official statement.
Gucci deeply apologizes for the offense caused by the wool balaclava jumper.
We consider diversity to be a fundamental value to be fully upheld, respected, and at the forefront of every decision we make.
Full statement below. pic.twitter.com/P2iXL9uOhs
— gucci (@gucci) February 7, 2019
Sweater worth $ 890 removed from sale removed from display cases and removed from the websites and company catalogues.
Blackface (theatrical makeup specific) is the way that used white actors to ridicule African Americans, creating stereotyping and underlining racial inequality. Image was used from the 19th century to the 60s years of the 20th century, until it disappeared from the scene under the pressure of human rights defenders.
This is not the first accusation of racism in the fashion world for the last time. During the Christmas holidays similar scandal affected Prada. The company had to remove from the showcase in SOHO on Broadway in Manhattan, earrings, purses and toys, the design of which was inspired Blackface. Earlier, great controversy and numerous allegations has prompted the use in the design of the Zara fashion elements and symbols used by the Nazis during the Second world war.
