BURBERRY STAFF are to receive inclusion training following a public backlash over a “noose” hoodie that the brand showcased on the catwalk.
The product, which was unveiled at London Fashion Week earlier this month, features a tie in she style of a noose.
As part of the fashion house’s plan to make amends for the production of the insensitive product, it has outlined steps to “fully embrace diversity and inclusion” in an attempt to avoid causing distress creating similarly controversial work in future.
The steps involve increasing understanding of a range of perspectives, which will be partly achieved through setting up employee councils focused on diversity and inclusion, expanding its creative arts scholarship internationally so as to support students from diverse backgrounds.
.@Burberry [2] decided it would be high fashion to feature a noose on a model on the runway at London Fashion Week
The noose is a symbol of racial terrorism, a weapon that reminds us of the 4,743 people lynched between 1882 and 1968 in the U.S.
Burberry’s actions are despicable. pic.twitter.com/jyjjDQkKxv [3]— Kristen Clarke (@KristenClarkeJD) February 19, 2019 [4]
In a statement, Marco Gobbetti, the CEO of Burberry Group, said: “At Burberry, we have always sought to build a culture that is diverse, open and inclusive and one where all perspectives are valued. The distress we caused with one of our products last week has shown us that we are not where we need or want to be.”
He added: “We are determined to learn from this and having spoken with our employees, experts and communities we impacted, we have developed a plan to increase our consciousness and understanding of social issues and fully embrace diversity and inclusion. We have a firm foundation from which to build. We have strong values, outstanding people and creativity at our core. Today, we are taking further steps to make real change happen.”
The brand is one of a number of high profile fashion companies to be accused of deliberately creating products which offend.
In recent weeks, Moncler, Prada and Gucci have all been called out for items which emulate blackface.
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