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Gucci announced its new diversity and inclusion plan called Gucci Changemakers on Monday, according to Harper’s Bazaar.
The initiative comes after the Italian fashion house faced backlash over a turtleneck sweater that seemingly resembled blackface in February. Several Black celebrities, including Spike Lee and T.I., called for a boycott of not only Gucci but also other luxury brands that consistently miss the mark of racial sensitivity.
In response, notable designer/tailor Dapper Dan requested a meeting with Gucci CEO and President Marco Bizzarri days after his apology and removal of the item from shelves.
“We
will invest important resources to unify and strengthen our communities across
North America, with a focus on programs that will impact youth and the
African-American community,” Bizzarri said in a statement about the
diversity initiative. “I believe in the promise of the next generation,
and through our scholarship fund we will also create more opportunities for
talented young people of diverse backgrounds to gain access to careers in the
fashion industry.”
Dapper Dan, along with prominent cultural figures including activist DeRay McKesson, entertainer Will.i.am and writer/activist Michaela Angela Davis, were named members of the Changemakers Council, a board that will select the components of the inclusion programming.
The first objective of the brand’s setup includes a $5 million fund that will be invested in community-based nonprofits geared toward helping communities of color throughout the United States.
In addition, the Gucci Changemakers launched a scholarship that will give a $20,000 grant over the course of four years to selected students. The purpose of the program is to help diversify the pool of individuals who pursue careers in the fashion industry.
The
nearly 20,000 Gucci employees across the globe will be given up to four days of
paid time off to volunteer with organizations that address equality, education
and support of refugees.
Dapper Dan, who partnered with Gucci in 2018, reiterated the importance of the fashion house being more inclusive of marginalized people and cultures.
“As a partner, I am
proud to work with Gucci and other community leaders to help guide programs
that will create meaningful impact for the Black community and fashion as a
whole,” he said the statement about the new project. “It is
imperative that we have a seat at the table to say how we should be represented
and reimagined. Through our work together, Gucci is in a position to lead the
overall industry toward becoming a better more inclusive one.”
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