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PICTURED: Ava DuVernay

ITALIAN FASHION house Prada previously announced plans to form a diversity council to “elevate voices of colour within the company and fashion industry at large - and the council will be chaired by two African-American creatives, artist Theaster Gates and film director Ava DuVernay.

The council will work to develop “diverse talent” and create more opportunities for students of colour, the luxury fashion house said.

In the release, Prada CEO Miuccia Prada said, "We are thrilled to be working with long-time collaborators, Ava DuVernay and Theaster Gates, on this important initiative. We look forward to working with the Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council to help us grow not only as a company but also as individuals.”

Speaking on his involvement, Gates said his work “amplifies the voices that have been absent from the broad cultural conversations,” and he was happy to work with Prada to help make the company more “reflective of the world today.”

The move follows a series of diversity issues among European fashion houses, who've used blackface within their products.

In December, Prada apologised for their collection of bag charms that resembled blackface caricatures.

This was followed by Gucci, who were criticised this month after an image of a white model wearing a black jumper with a cut out of red lips went viral.

“Prada is committed to cultivating, recruiting and retaining diverse talent to contribute to all departments of the company,” added Prada.

“In addition to amplifying voices of colour within the industry, we will help ensure that the fashion world is reflective of the world in which we live.”

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