Gucci as led by CEO Marco Bizzarri didn’t waste any time addressing the uproar last week caused by a Gucci balaclava top viewed by many as evoking blackface. Today (February 15, 2019) it announced a set of initiatives addressing issues related to diversity.
The first initiatives include hiring global and regional directors for diversity and inclusion; setting up a multicultural design scholarship program; launching a diversity and inclusivity awareness program;
and launching a global exchange program.
The plan of action includes a commitment to hire diverse talent for key roles and leadership positions that will include individuals working on the design team. The company also stated it will invest money to educate its 18,000 employees globally to promote a greater level of global cultural awareness.
Gucci designer Alessandro Michele has said the sweater was a tribute to performance artist Leigh Bowery, who wears over-painted red clown lips as part of his costume. In an email sent to all employees from his own account, Michele wrote, “The fact that, contrarily to my intentions, that turtleneck jumper evoked a racist imagery causes me the greatest grief. But I am aware that sometimes our actions can end up with causing unintentional effects. It is therefore necessary taking full accountability for these effects.”
Harlem-born designer Dapper Dan ne Daniel Day, who has partnered extensively with Gucci, was among the group who met with Bizzarri and other Gucci executives in New York to discuss diversity-related initiatives. Prior to Gucci making its official announcement on Instagram, Day posted a statement that read, “The meeting is over. It’s now time for Gucci to announce how they plan to make amends for what the did. We had some of the best minds from the corporate world participating, and experts in inclusivity and accountability–90% people of color. They made great demands. It’s time for Gucci to answer.”
Day has received considerable push back from commenters who are upset he chose to work with Gucci with many suggesting he cut all ties and start his own brand.
Some of the heat Day is taking today was likely generated by rapper 50 Cent ne Curtis James Jackson III, who criticized Day after he came to the defense of 50 arch-enemy Floyd Mayweather. Day defended Mayweather after T.I. ne Clifford Joseph Harris Jr. used a diss track called “Fuck Nigga” in response to Mayweather continuing to buy Gucci after he called for a boycott.
Check out Day and 50’s social media posts below.
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Dapper Dan statement
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50 clowns Dapper Dan
