Seeing red over blackface look
LUXURY Italian fashion label Gucci has apologised after copping a backlash over a new sweater design likened to blackface make-up.
The item has now been removed from sale.
The wool balaclava sweater featured an oversized collar that pulled over the chin and nose.
It included a slit where the mouth is, ringed with what look like giant red lips.
Its similarity to blackface prompted instant public outrage.
Gucci said the incident would be “a powerful learning moment for the Gucci team and beyond.”
Prada similarly withdrew a monkey bag charm that recalled blackface in December, saying it “abhors racist imagery.”
The blackface images have particular resonance in the US. The offensive depictions are reminiscent of traveling minstrels from the 19th century, who would paint their faces black to portray African characters in a ridiculous and mocking fashion, spreading racial stereotypes.
Italian sociologist Michele Sorice at Rome’s Luiss university said evocation of blackface by Italian fashion houses signalled “a mixture of good faith, and ignorance.”