...as Gucci’s £688 ‘blackface’ top sparks race row

GUCCI has pulled a £688 jumper from sale after a backlash over its racist ‘blackface’ appearance.

The fashion label’s ‘balaclava knit’ jumper, pictured, is designed to cover the bottom part of the face with big red lips.

But according to some outraged Twitter users, the top’s design bears a striking resemblance to a golliwog.

One user wrote: ‘Gucci made a very racist sweater. I still can’t figure out why they thought this was ok?!’ Others pointed out that Gucci’s climbdown coincided with the start of Black History Month in the US.

The product description read: ‘Inspired by vintage ski masks, multicoloured knitted balaclavas walked the runway, adding a mysterious feel to this collection.’

Gucci said it ‘deeply apologises for the offence caused’ by the jumper, adding: ‘We consider diversity to be a fundamental value to be fully upheld.’