Gucci withdraw polo neck sweater following racism backlash

Social media users pointed out the sweater’s resemblance to blackface.

February 07, 2019
Gucci withdraw polo neck sweater following racism backlash Gucci

Gucci has issued an apology and withdrawn a polo neck sweater from sale after its resemblance to blackface was pointed out on Twitter. The "balaclava" knit was retailing at $890 and was part of the fashion brand's autumn/winter 2018 range. As seen in the picture above, the neck of the sweater rolled up to reveal a large red mouth cut out in the center.

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The Italian brand removed the item from its website on Wednesday night and stated that it would turn the incident “into a powerful learning moment for the Gucci team”, adding it was “fully committed to increasing diversity.”

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The statement continued: “We consider diversity to be a fundamental value to be fully upheld, respected, and at the forefront of every decision we make. We are fully committed to increasing diversity throughout our organization."


The FADER has contacted Gucci for further comment.

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Gucci withdraw polo neck sweater following racism backlash