Marni Cancels Campaign and Issues Apology in Wake of Racism Accusations
Another day, another unfortunate blunder this time from Italian heritage brand Marni, who was under fire for a digital campaign for flip-flops that featured Black models, one of whom appeared to be chained. Horribly awkward captions didn’t help as “tribal amulet”, “barefoot in the jungle” (they were on the beach with no jungle in sight), and “The adorned White Queen appeared compliant yet sculptural” were paired with the imagery. Both the Marni account and creative director Francesco Risso, have since deleted the campaign and apologized for the awkward shots and accompanying captions shot by Afro-Brazilian photographer, Edgar Azevedo. [WWD]
Issey Miyake Men Closes Down
Issey Miyake’s menswear line is shutting down, making Autumn/Winter 2020 the brand’s last collection. Launched in 1976 and shown at Paris Fashion Week since Fall/Winter 1985, Issey Miyake Men has now been discontinued, with the brand now focusing its menswear output on the more successful Issey Miyake Homme Plissé line. [High Snobiety]
Diet Prada Launches Paid Subscription Model
Industry watchdog account Diet Prada has joined the hustle economy, launching their Patreon this week where subscribers will have access to exclusive content, a VIP forum, and merchandise. Since its inception in December 2014, founders Tony Liu and Lindsey Schuyler have built a reputation of knowing their fashion history and holding people accountable, calling out brands and influencers alike for copying, appropriation, abuse, and malpractice. Their Patreon will help sustain their independent news source charging fans $5, $10, or $30 a month.
Hilary Rhoda Gives Birth
Industry icon Hilary Rhoda and former hockey player, Sean Avery welcomed their first child into the world this week. Named Nash Hollis Avery, Rhoda captioned that the Leo newborn “came into this world fast & furiously!” Major congrats to the couple and check out our 2014 Icons story with Rhoda here.
Fashion Designer Kansai Yamamoto Dies at 76
Japanese designer Kansai Yamamoto, known for the vibrant and flamboyant costumes he created for David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust and Aladdin Sane alter egos, has died of leukemia. Born in Yokohama in 1944, Yamamoto made waves after he showed his first collection in London in 1971. Inspired by the Japanese concept of Basara—an aesthetic defined by “extravagance, eccentricity and excess”—Yamamoto’s influential career also included designing costumes for Elton John and Lady Gaga, as well as collaborating with Anna Sui and Nicolas Ghesquiere for Louis Vuitton in recent years. [NYT]
