Prada creates diversity council after blackface scandal

Prada has created a diversity council headed by American artist Theaster Gates and film director Ava DuVernay, after it was at the centre of a blackface scandal in December.

The luxury fashion house said it was forming the council to “elevate voices of colour within the company and fashion industry at large”, and will be made up of “prominent academic and cultural experts”.

The news comes after Prada was criticised for selling bag charms that resembled black monkeys with exaggerated red lips, and was accused of propagating racist stereotypes. Prada later apologised for the charms and withdrew them from its stores.

Miuccia Prada, CEO and creative director, said: “Prada is committed to cultivating, recruiting and retaining diverse talent to contribute to all departments of the company. In addition to amplifying voices of color within the industry, we will help ensure that the fashion world is reflective of the world in which we live.”

Rival luxury retailer Gucci has also recently come under fire for a racially insensitive blackface ‘balaclava’ jumper with a red cut out mouth.