Racism not my intention, says Gucci design chief in apology for ‘blackface’ top

GUCCI’S creative director has apologised over a controversial $890 (£690) sweater that critics said resembled blackface.

In a letter to employees of the Italian fashion house, Alessandro Michele insisted racism was never his intention.

The black sweater with a pullup neck featured a cutout surrounded by cartoonish red lips.

Mr Michele acknowledged that people had seen in his creation “an intolerable insult”.

He also maintained the garment was not inspired by blackface but by the late Leigh Bowery, a performance artist, club promoter and fashion designer who often used flamboyant face make-up and costumes.

However, Mr Michelle also took “full accountability” for the sweater, which was pulled from sale last week amid widespread criticism.

Gucci previously apologised for the incident, writing in a statement posted online that it was committed to diversity and considered it a “fundamental val-

Backlash: the Gucci sweater

ue to be fully upheld (that) is at the forefront of every decision we make”.

The balaclava-style sweater, which covers the nose above the cutout, was ridiculed on social media as insensitive and racist.

Other fashion brands have made similar missteps.

Marco Bizzarri, Gucci’s president and chief executive, said, “The lack of knowledge of diversity and the consequent understanding are not at the level we expected, despite all the efforts we did inside the company in the last four years.”