Prada is a renowned luxury fashion brand that has been around for over a century. Despite its long-standing reputation, the brand has been under scrutiny in recent years due to concerns about diversity and inclusion.
What is Diversity?
Diversity refers to the presence of individuals from different backgrounds, cultures, races, genders, and sexual orientations in a group or organization. It is important because it promotes inclusivity and equality for all individuals.
The Controversy Surrounding Prada
In 2018, Prada faced backlash for a keychain that was deemed racist. The keychain featured a monkey-like figure with large lips and blackface imagery.
The brand issued an apology and removed the product from its stores. However, this incident sparked conversations about diversity within the brand.
In response to the backlash, Prada hired artist and activist Theaster Gates as their first-ever director of social and cultural impact. Gates was tasked with addressing diversity concerns within the company.
The brand also launched initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion. In 2019, they announced the Prada Diversity Council which included prominent black figures such as Ava DuVernay and activist Jaha Dukureh. The council’s goal was to address issues of representation within the industry.
Despite these efforts, however, Prada faced criticism yet again in 2020 when a photo of their store in New York City went viral on social media. The photo showed a display featuring figurines with exaggerated red lips reminiscent of racist caricatures. Prada issued another apology and removed the display from their store.
Prada’s Efforts Towards Diversity
While these incidents have raised concerns about Prada’s commitment to diversity, the brand has taken steps towards promoting inclusivity within their company.
In addition to hiring Theaster Gates as their director of social and cultural impact and creating the Diversity Council, Prada has also launched a scholarship program aimed at promoting diversity within the fashion industry. The program offers scholarships to students from underrepresented backgrounds who are pursuing careers in fashion.
Prada has also introduced a new initiative called the Prada Group Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council. The council is comprised of external experts and will provide guidance to the brand on matters related to diversity and inclusion.
Conclusion
While Prada has faced controversy in recent years regarding issues of diversity, the brand has taken steps towards promoting inclusivity within their company. Initiatives such as the Diversity Council, scholarship program, and advisory council are positive steps towards addressing these concerns. However, it is important for Prada to continue prioritizing diversity and inclusion in all aspects of their brand moving forward.