Supermodel Bella Hadid has launched a blistering public attack on the fashion house Dolce & Gabbana, accusing it of 'years of racism, sexism, bigotry and xenophobia'. Her outburst came after the iconic Italian brand faced intense criticism for casting exclusively white models for its latest showcase at Milan Fashion Week.
A Show Devoid of Diversity
The controversy ignited when fashion commentator Lyas shared a video online expressing his fury at the complete lack of racial diversity on the D&G runway. He pointed out that there was 'not one single Asian or dark-skinned model' in the show, which was ironically promoted with the tagline 'the portrait of man. The singular identity of every man.'
Bella Hadid, who has never walked for the brand, swiftly added her voice in the comments section. 'Shocked people actually support this company still it's embarrassing,' the 29-year-old model wrote. She doubled down in a follow-up comment, listing the brand's alleged transgressions: '@bellahadid beeeeen cancelled... years of racism, sexism, bigotry, xenophobia.. how are we shocked still?'
A Long History of Controversies
This incident is merely the latest in a lengthy catalogue of scandals that have plagued designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana since founding their label in 1985. Their history includes:
- A 2013 conviction for tax evasion, for which they received an 18-month suspended jail sentence (later overturned on appeal).
- Fierce backlash in 2015 after Dolce described IVF children as 'synthetic' and criticised same-sex parenting, prompting a #BoycottDolceGabbana campaign led by Sir Elton John.
- A 2018 advertising campaign in China deemed culturally insensitive, featuring a model eating Italian food with chopsticks, which led to a widespread boycott and a public apology from the designers.
- The exposure of allegedly racist private messages attributed to Stefano Gabbana's Instagram account that same year, which insulted Chinese people.
- Past controversies over 'slave sandals' in 2016 and 'offensive' earrings with colonial imagery of Black women in 2012.
Fashion's Divided Loyalties
Hadid's stark condemnation highlights a growing divide within the fashion industry. Her stance contrasts sharply with other high-profile figures like Kylie Jenner, who served as a D&G brand ambassador in 2023, and Hailey Bieber, who has been seen wearing the label.
The brand's latest casting choice, during one of fashion's most prominent global events, has reignited serious questions about its commitment to diversity and inclusion. As of now, representatives for Dolce & Gabbana have not publicly responded to the latest allegations or the criticism of their Milan Fashion Week show.
For Bella Hadid, whose father was born in Palestine, this is not the first time she has taken a public stand on a contentious issue. She has been vocal in her opposition to Israel's actions in Gaza, previously stating she was 'not afraid to lose modelling jobs' over her principles.
