Dolce & Gabbana abruptly canceled a major show scheduled in China after the Italian fashion brand faced backlash for social media posts many deemed disrespectful toward Chinese culture.
The brand canceled their "Great Show" – billed as a "Tribute to China" – just hours before it was set to begin after several models and celebrities vowed to boycott the event over calls of racism.
"What happened today was very unfortunate not only for us, but also for all the people who worked day and night to bring this event to life," Dolce & Gabbana's official account tweeted Wednesday, acknowledging the show's cancellation. "From the bottom of our hearts, we would like to express our gratitude to our friends and guests."
The controversy all started with a series of promotional videos posted on Instagram by Dolce & Gabbana, featuring an Asian model eating Italian staples – including pizza, a cannoli and spaghetti – with chopsticks.
Social media users alleged the fashion house was mocking Chinese culture by featuring stereotypical Chinese music, sound effects and lanterns. The fashion house also labeled chop sticks "stick shaped cutlery," while the narrator mispronounced Dolce & Gabbana.
To add insult to injury, a screenshot of private Instagram messages allegedly sent from co-founder Stefano Gabbana went viral. He has since claimed that his "Instagram account has been hacked" and that he did not send the messages filled with derogatory remarks aimed at critics of the ads.
The fashion house instantly faced backlash.
Model Estelle Chen, who was scheduled to walk in the show, addressed Dolce & Gabbana on Instagram in a lengthy statement.
"You don't love China, you love money," she wrote. "China is rich yes but China is rich in its values, its culture and its people and they won't spend a penny on a brand that does not respect that."
@Originalspin called the ad "PRETTY, PRETTY RACIST."
@Wanger_Gavin said the videos were "filled with disgusting stereotypes and prejudice. This is racial discrimination."
@LumingYin called the ad "one of the most misinformed and distasteful marketing campaigns I have seen in quite some time."
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