Milan Fashion Week to Include Black Lives Matter Event

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Jean, in an Instagram post welcoming the events, called on brands ‘’that have committed the most notable international missteps’’ to join the event.

“Italian Fashion shall no longer hide behind excuses and justifications that point the conversation to other countries,’’ Jean said. “We are not asking for a seat at the table. It is past time for change.’’

Fashion houses including Prada, Gucci, Dolce&Gabbana, and Marni have all had to apologize for racially-charged gaffes over recent seasons.

Jean and others contend that such gaffes are only indicative of the lack of diversity behind the scenes in Italian fashion.

On the schedule announced Thursday, Fendi, Versace and Ferragamo will be among 23 fashion houses holding physical runway shows during Milan Fashion Week.

Forty-one others, including Prada and Giorgio Armani, have opted instead to maintain a digital presence due to coronavirus concerns.

Events will be streamed on the council’s website, as well as on mega-screens set up in key Milan locations.

Read also: Virus was Direct Cause of Death for 89% of Italian Covid-19 Victims

Valentino, which is based in Rome but normally shows in Paris, announced it will show its co-ed collection in Milan due to travel restrictions related to the virus.

Council president Carlo Capasa said during a streamed presentation that journalists and buyers from Europe have already indicated plans to travel to Milan for the events, which also include showrooms that are critical for selling the collections around the world. 

(Writer: Colleen Barry) 

Source: https://apnews.com/b72ec8d1bf08b1c6fc07013575618f83