Another fashion house has come under fire for a design many are calling racist.
» RELATED: From Gucci to Prada, fashion fails evoke racist imagery
During its recent show at London Fashion Week, Burberry showcased a hoodie with a rope around the neck that resembled a noose. Now the company is apologizing.
"We are deeply sorry for the distress caused by one of the products that featured in our A/W 2019 runway collection" Marco Gobbetti, Burberry chief executive officer, said in a statement to CNN. "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 chief creative officer Riccardo Tisci, added, “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.”
“While the design was inspired by a nautical theme, I realize that it was insensitive. It was never my intention to upset anyone,” he continued. “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.”
Despite the apology, many criticized the piece online, calling it insensitive and ignorant.
One of Burberry’s models, Liz Kennedy, even slammed the brand on social media. Although she was featured in the show that debuted the controversial garment, she said her concerns about the noose were dismissed.
“Suicide is not fashion,” she wrote on Instagram. “It is beyond me how you could let a look resembling a noose hanging from a neck out on the runway.”
She said the imagery was triggering, because she has dealt with suicide within her family. She also mentioned the “horrifying history of lynching.”
“A massive brand like Burberry who is typically considered commercial and classy should not have overlooked such an obvious resemblance,” Kennedy continued. “I am ashamed to have been apart of the show.”
The controversy comes about two weeks after Gucci was condemned for a turtleneck sweater many said looked like blackface. While the company issued an apology, many celebrities, including T.I., Soulja Boy and Waka Flocka, called for a boycott.
» RELATED: 'Apology not accepted': T.I. calls for Gucci boycott over 'blackface' sweater
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