Following an onslaught of public backlash, Burberry has become the latest luxury fashion brand to issue an apology for an item deemed insensitive. The item in question is a peach colored hoodie, which features a drawstring that undeniably resembles a noose.
CNN obtained a statement from Burberry CEO Marco Gobbetti who expressed regret.
“We are deeply sorry for the distress caused by one of the products that featured in our A/W 2019 runway collection,” Gobbetti said. “Though the design was inspired by the marine theme that ran throughout the collection, it was insensitive and we made a mistake. ”
The show’s designer, Burberry’s CCO Riccardo Tisci, was adamant this wouldn’t happen again.
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“I am so deeply sorry for the distress that has been caused as a result of one of the pieces in my show on Sunday,” Tisci said. “While the design was inspired by a nautical theme, I realize that it was insensitive.
“It was never my intention to upset anyone. It does not reflect my values nor Burberry’s and we have removed it from the collection. I will make sure that this does not happen again.”
Model Liz Kennedy, who was featured in the fashion show, claimed her concerns about the use of a noose were casually tossed aside. She addressed the controversial item in an Instagram post.
“Suicide is not fashion,” she wrote. “It is not glamorous nor edgy and since this show is dedicated to the youth expressing their voice, here I go. Riccardo Tisci and everyone at Burberry it is beyond me how you could let a look resembling a noose hanging from a neck out on the runway. How could anyone overlook this and think it would be okay to do this especially in a line dedicated to young girls and youth.
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“The impressionable youth. Not to mention the rising suicide rates world wide. Let’s not forget about the horrifying history of lynching either. There are hundreds of ways to tie a rope and they chose to tie it like a noose completely ignoring the fact that it was hanging around a neck. A massive brand like Burberry who is typically considered commercial and classy should not have overlooked such an obvious resemblance.”
At this point, many people are wondering if these giant companies are enflaming the public for publicity reasons. Gucci issued an apology earlier this month after unveiling a $890 sweater that resembled blackface.
Prada and Moncler were also under fire for several items that also bore a strong resemblance to blackface. As a result, T.I. suggested all those brands were canceled while providing alternative black-owned brands for people to support.
Naturally, people took their outrage to Twitter. Check out some of the reactions below.
