They are one of the most luxurious brand in the world. However, on February 10th, Gucci was criticized for their wool balaclava jumper. It has caused such a predicament that Hollywood director, Spike Lee, announced he would no longer wear the brand. Other influential artists also joined Lee’s protest. Artist such as T.I, Soulja Boy, and Waka Flaka Flame have dropped Gucci from their clothes.
The reason why the Gucci jumper is causing all this controversy is because the jumper resembles Blackface. Blackface dates back to the 19th century where white actors would paint their face and exaggerate features of Africans living in America. It was to evoke laughter and happiness of the White audience while hurting and demeaning the African American community. Blackface, even to this day, is still very offensive. It represents a dark period in America’s history where minorities were treated poorly. The design of the Gucci jumper is peculiar in the sense that, it can be pulled up to the face. Around the mouth area, there is a bright red lip. All of which has reminded people of Blackface.
Gucci has stopped selling the jumpers and has formally apologized on Instagram. They share their commitment to value and respect diversity. As well as take this incident as a teaching moment where they will learn from their mistakes.
References:
Griffith, J. (2018, February 10). Spike Lee, T.I. boycott Gucci, Prada over ‘blackface’ fashion. Retrieved February 10, 2018, from https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/spike-lee-t-i-boycott-gucci-prada-o…
Holcombe, M. (2019, February 08). Gucci apologizes after social media users say sweater resembles blackface. Retrieved February 10, 2019, from https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/07/us/gucci-blackface-sweater/index.html
Kaur, H. (2019, February 08). This is why blackface is offensive. Retrieved February 10, 2019, from https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/02/us/racist-origins-of-blackface/index.html