Dapper Dan comments on Gucci blackface controversy

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
Feb 12, 2019

Dapper Dan is the latest celebrity to speak out against Gucci, who has come under fire for a new design that evokes racist imagery.  

 
The Italian luxury brand recently pulled a black turtleneck with bright red lips from its e-shop after comparisons to blackface. The "balaclava jumper" pulls up to the eyes and features a mouth opening visible through large red lips.
 
In an Instagram post, the Harlem designer - who collaborated with Gucci on a collection in 2017 – held Gucci accountable for its designs and equally shared plans to do so in person. 

“The CEO of Gucci has agreed to come from Italy to Harlem this week to meet with me, along with members of the community and other industry leaders. There cannot be inclusivity without accountability,” Dapper Dan shared in an Instagram post.
 
“I am a Black man before I am a brand. Another fashion house has gotten it wrong. There is no excuse nor apology that can erase this kind of insult.”
 
Gucci is one of many luxury design houses and retailers that have come under fire for racist imagery. Most recently, Prada was called out for releasing blackface keychains and other accessories in December, as was H&M who used a black child to model a "monkey" sweater. 
 
Spike Lee is another celebrity to speak out against the inappropriate designs, announcing a boycott of Gucci and Prada on Instagram, along with other entertainers like rap stars T.I. and Soulja Boy. 
 
Gucci has since pulled the sweater and issued an apology on Twitter saying that they hope the controversy will be a "powerful learning moment for the Gucci team."

"Gucci deeply apologizes for the offense caused by the wool balaclava jumper. We consider diversity to be a fundamental value to be fully upheld, respected, and at the forefront of every decision we make."