Fashion has always been a glamorous and highly competitive industry, but it has not been immune to scandals. From sexual harassment allegations to cultural appropriation controversies, the world of fashion has seen its fair share of controversies over the years. In this blog post, we will look at some of the biggest scandals in fashion history.
- John Galliano's Anti-Semitic Rant
In 2011, John Galliano, the then creative director of Christian Dior, was caught on camera making anti-Semitic remarks in a Paris café. The video went viral, and Galliano was subsequently fired from Dior. He was also stripped of his own eponymous label, and his reputation was irreparably damaged. Galliano later apologized for his remarks and sought treatment for alcohol addiction.
- Kate Moss's Cocaine Scandal
In 2005, Kate Moss, one of the world's most famous models, was caught on camera snorting cocaine. The pictures were published in a British newspaper, and Moss lost many of her lucrative modeling contracts as a result. However, she managed to make a comeback after entering rehab and has since become a fashion icon.
- Victoria's Secret's Lack of Diversity
Victoria's Secret, the world's most famous lingerie brand, has long been criticized for its lack of diversity. The brand's annual fashion show was canceled in 2019 after years of controversy surrounding the lack of inclusivity on the runway. The company has also been accused of promoting an unrealistic and unhealthy beauty ideal, leading to criticism of the brand's marketing practices.
- The Rana Plaza Factory Collapse
In 2013, the Rana Plaza factory in Bangladesh collapsed, killing over 1,100 people and injuring thousands more. The factory produced clothing for many well-known brands, including Primark and Mango. The tragedy brought attention to the issue of workers' rights and safety in the fashion industry and led to calls for better regulation and oversight of the industry.
- Burberry's Burned Stock Scandal
In 2018, Burberry, the British luxury fashion brand, came under fire when it was revealed that the company had burned over £28 million worth of unsold stock. The company claimed that the stock had been destroyed to prevent it from being sold on the black market, but the move was widely criticized as wasteful and environmentally damaging.
- Dolce & Gabbana's Racism Scandal
In 2018, Dolce & Gabbana, the Italian fashion brand, faced backlash over a controversial advertising campaign. The campaign featured a Chinese model struggling to eat Italian food with chopsticks, and the brand's co-founder, Stefano Gabbana, was accused of making racist remarks on social media. The incident led to the cancellation of a major fashion show in China and a significant drop in sales for the brand.
- H&M's "Coolest Monkey in the Jungle" Ad
In 2018, H&M, the Swedish fast-fashion giant, faced criticism over an ad featuring a black child wearing a hoodie with the slogan "Coolest Monkey in the Jungle." The ad was widely seen as racist and insensitive, and the company was accused of perpetuating negative stereotypes. The incident led to protests and calls for boycotts of the brand.
- Calvin Klein's Underage Models
In 1995, Calvin Klein faced criticism over an advertising campaign featuring young models in provocative poses. Some of the models were under the age of 18, leading to accusations of sexual exploitation. The controversy led to a wider debate about the sexualization of young girls in the fashion industry and prompted calls for better protection for underage models.
The fashion industry has been riddled with sketchy behavior and scandals. I can honestly say that these examples are only the tip of the iceberg. Stay tuned for more as we dive deeper and deeper into history <3
-Ian Drake, Diversity Consignment