LAHORE – Asia, and China in particular, is key to European luxury brands’ success. A recent study by Bain consultancy said one third of all high-end purchases are made by Chinese consumers, shopping both at home and abroad.
China is outraged with the great Italian brand Dolce & Gabbana after what appears to be back to back controversial stunts by the fashion brand.
D&G published a video on Chinese site Weibo on Monday showing a Chinese model using chopsticks to try to eat a pizza, a cannoli and spaghetti. Apparently celebrities and public were enraged by this depiction of racism.
The accusations of racism and racial stereotyping were confirmed after an Instagram direct message conversation between Stefano Gabbana and the fashion writer Michaela Phuong was shared by Diet Prada. Diet Prada is an Instagram account known for criticising the fashion industry.
D&G has denied hurting Chinese sentiments in any way whatsoever as they claim that their account was hacked and they had not taken part in the conversation in any way.
“We have nothing but respect for China and the people of China.”
Stefano Gabbana also wrote on his Instagram that his account had been hacked, adding, “I love China and Chinese culture. I’m sorry for what happened.”
Celebrities have stopped working with the Italian fashion house, while several
e-commerce platforms have shelved its products.
The fashion show by D&G all set to take place in Shanghai has been cancelled now as seen in the image above, the sign is being taken off.
Titled “The Great Show”, the event would have been one of the biggest of the year for the fashion world. It reportedly cost the brand 8 million yuan (US$1.15 million), and was slated to showcase 500 looks. The Italian fashion house had invited 360 models and 1,500 guests, both from within China and abroad.
