Dolce & Gabbana cancels its "big show" in Shanghai in the midst of a controversy



[ad_1]

It was supposed to be the biggest fashion show in Dolce & Gabbana's 33-year history: a look at 360, 140 performers, an hour from China, followed by an audience of 1,400 people gathering celebrities and local influencers . Today, these projects resulted in total chaos, and society felt compelled to cancel the event following a stick-busting controversy that turned into a firestorm. social media.

What would lead to this chaos was initially triggered by a Dolce & Gabbana social media video of a Chinese model eating spaghetti, pizzas and cannoli with a pair of chopsticks interpreted by some commentators as racist. It quickly degenerated into a firestorm on social media, the flames of which apparently had been fanned by the company's co-founder, Stefano Gabbana himself, which he and the company denied.

In a statement, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana said: "Our dream was to organize in Shanghai a tribute event dedicated to China, which tells our story and our vision. It was not just a fashion show, but something we created especially with love and passion for China and all the people around the world who love Dolce & Gabbana. What has happened today has been very unfortunate, not only for us, but for all those who worked day and night to bring this event to life. From the heart, we would like to express our gratitude to our friends and guests. "

After six months of planning, Dolce & Gabbana's "Big Show" was considered a love letter to a country that has become one of its largest markets, accounting for 30% of the group's revenue. The company would not provide any estimate of the cost of the event, but several million dollars – at least – had been spent on a show that the co-founder of the company, Domenico Dolce, had declared to be a worry-free tribute to China .

Addressing reporters at Monday night's game, Dolce said, "I think we have a reason today to return to real creativity without censorship." There is too much censorship for this, for this … we like to respect local cultures, it's important.we do a nice show in mexico, then in dubai … i love to respect local cultures.and dolce & gabbana grow in this way because we live different places.But not just for money.This is my new religion.All my team is very nervous because we have spent too much money for it.I want to die poor … Money is a lot better used in life When you die, finito.

Even as Dolce spoke, surrounded by Chinese and Italian tailors and seamstresses, the social media release that catalyzed its abrupt cancellation sparked online censorship. Posted on Instagram and Weibo, the post has been interpreted by some commentators as being humiliating towards the Chinese, as well as inappropriately insulting. As originally reported Jing Daily: "In a particularly glaring tone error, in the video starring cannoli, a narrator asked the model" Is it too big for you? "", Said the publication, according to which "the subtitle mentioned use chopsticks as a" little stick "while qualifying Italian cuisine as good and delicious flavor, which has led many people to think that the brand is arrogant as to its cultural roots. "

The message, first posted on Nov. 18, was removed from Weibo but not from Instagram. And it was on Stefano Gabbana's Instagram account that later on appeared unquestionably offensive and abusive comments directed against his Chinese detractors. Shortly after, he declared that it was not his but the result of a hacking. Dolce & Gabbana's official account also indicated that he had been hacked and was investigating.

A Chinese model to go to the show, who said he had been training for two months to prepare for it, said tonight that he had stayed there too. long time that it seemed possible that the show continues, as a mark of respect. . "I think it's a shame for both sides. I never knew it happened before. Dolce & Gabbana made mistakes and, when the problem broke out on social media, they did not act fast enough to explain. But I think it's a shame for them and it will be a new tomorrow in the whole world. "

[ad_2]
Source link