The Biggest Fashion & Beauty Brand Controversies of 2019 [PHOTOS]

Gucci Under Fire for ‘Blackface’ Balaclava – February 2019

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Backlash ensued after Gucci released a balaclava-style sweater in its fall 2018 ready-to-wear collection and web site, which many claimed resembled blackface. Gucci collaborator, Dapper Dan, joined the outcry, stating “there is no excuse nor apology that can erase this kind of insult.” Gucci quickly apologized, with ceo Marco Bizzarri announcing multiple initiatives within the company to foster and promote inclusivity and diversity in order to not repeat this misstep.
Burberry Apologizes for Insensitive Noose Sweater – February 2019

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In its fall 2019 ready-to-wear show, Burberry revealed a sweater that appeared to have a noose around the neck, sending many on social media into a frenzy. Model Liz Kennedy, for one, called on Burberry designer Riccardo Tisci, stating in an Instagram post, “suicide is not fashion.” The brand and Tisci apologized for the product and removed it from the collection.
Louis Vuitton Condemns Abuse Amid Michael Jackson Controversy – March 2019

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Louis Vuitton was embroiled in controversy following its fall 2019 men’s ready-to-wear show, which took inspiration from Michael Jackson, who was also the subject of the highly controversial HBO documentary, “Leaving Neverland,” which documented child sexual assault allegations against the late musician. Designer Virgil Abloh issued a statement to WWD stating the brand was unaware of the documentary before the show, stating “I am aware that in light of this documentary the show has caused emotional reactions. I strictly condemn any form of child abuse, violence or infringement against any human rights.”
Jeffree Star’s Makeup Warehouse Robbed – April 2019

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Beauty vlogger and brand founder, Jeffree Star, made headlines when he revealed his makeup warehouse was robbed of $2.5 million worth of his brand’s products. In a YouTube video, Star declared that an entire shade of his upcoming Magic Star Concealer, which hadn’t yet been officially released, was stolen, and that his team of investigators found that the stolen products were being sold through back channels. He claimed the robbery was an inside job and is linked to a group of black market makeup dealers, however no link has yet to be revealed.
Gucci Accused of Cultural Appropriation Over ‘Indy Turban’ – May 2019

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Gucci was accused of cultural appropriation yet again because of its fall 2018 collection, this time with social media users taking aim at a $780 headscarf the brand dubbed “Indy Full Turban.” Many claimed the product’s name was offensive toward the Sikh culture, including the Sikh Coalition, which tweeted out, “The Sikh turban is not a fashion accessory, but it’s also a sacred religious article of faith. We hope more can be done to recognize this critical context. #appropriation.”
Jaclyn Hill Cosmetics Recall – May 2019

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As one of the biggest global beauty influencers, Jaclyn Hill’s makeup line was highly anticipated. However, fans were immediately disappointed with the quality of her brand’s line of 20 nude lipsticks, with many taking to social media to share pictures of their products, which appeared to have tiny hairs, holes and round particles attached to the bullets. Hill ultimately issued a refund to all customers, later stating that she didn’t hire a big enough quality control team to examine the products before distribution. She has plans to relaunch the line with a new team and new cosmetics laboratory at a later date.
Kim Kardashian’s Kimono Shapewear Brand – June 2019

Image Credit: Vanessa Beecroft

Kim Kardashian West may have had success with her beauty ventures — KKW Beauty and KKW Fragrance — however she received immediate backlash against her first fashion line, a shapewear brand called Kimono. Many on social media, including the mayor of Kyoto, accused Kardashian of cultural appropriation over the brand’s name. Kardashian ultimately responded to the criticism by announcing she renamed the brand to Skims, which will now launch on Sept. 10.
Nike Plus-Size Mannequin Backlash – June 2019

Image Credit: Nike

At its Oxford Street store in London, Nike introduced a plus-size mannequin, which was received with mixed reviews by the public. While many praised the brand’s initiative as a step toward body positivity, critics declared the mannequin promoted obesity and unhealthy eating habits, including Telegraph journalist Tanya Gold, who stated the mannequin is “immense, gargantuan, vast” and “heaves with fat.”
Nike Plus-Size Mannequin Backlash – June 2019

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Former Nike head of global apparel, Mindy Grossman, spoke out about the backlash in a LinkedIn post, stating: “[I’m] angry because of those who are so misguided to say that having larger mannequins are contributing to obesity — seriously? — and resolute as I truly believe that what they are doing with their size expansion and visualization with their mannequins is exactly what is needed in our society.”
Backlash Against Related Cos.’ Stephen Ross – August 2019

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Social media backlash was swift against Related Cos. chairman Stephen Ross, who hosted a fundraiser for President Donald Trump at his Hamptons home with tickets going up to $250,000 each. Celebrities and fashion designers expressed their outrage over Ross’ fundraiser, taking aim at his many companies, including Hudson Yards, Equinox and SoulCycle. Along with the backlash, Prabal Gurung and Rag & Bone decided to move their upcoming NYFW spring 2020 shows from Hudson Yards.
Givenchy, Coach and Versace Embroiled in China Fashion Controversy – August 2019

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In China, Givenchy, Coach and Versace are embroiled in controversy after the brands marked Hong Kong as its own country on merchandise, which many have criticized as an offense toward Chinese sovereignty. The controversy led models Liu Wen and Yang Mi to end their newly-minted contracts with Coach and Versace respectively, and spokesmodels Guan Xiaotong and Jackson Yee to distance themselves from Coach and Givenchy, respectively.
Givenchy, Coach and Versace Embroiled in China Fashion Controversy – August 2019

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Coach apologized for the insensitive t-shirt, stating: “In May 2018, we found that several t-shirt designs had made major mistakes. We are deeply aware of the seriousness of the problem and took urgent measures to remove the goods from shelves in all channels worldwide. At the same time, we have also conducted a comprehensive review of the products and strengthened the internal process management to prevent similar mistakes from happening again. We apologize for the hurt feelings of consumers.”
Givenchy, Coach and Versace Embroiled in China Fashion Controversy – August 2019

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A close-up of Givenchy’s t-shirt. The brand also issued an apology, stating: “We apologize for the mistake in Givenchy’s printed T-shirts in overseas markets that has aroused discussion among some netizens today. For any human negligence or mistake, we must correct it immediately and take it as a warning. Givenchy always respects China’s sovereignty, firmly upholds the one-China principle and is unswerving.”
Givenchy, Coach and Versace Embroiled in China Fashion Controversy – August 2019

Image Credit: Weibo

Donatella Versace herself apologized for the misstep, posting to Instagram: “I am deeply sorry for the unfortunate recent error that was made by our company and that is being currently discussed on various social media channels. Never have I wanted to disrespect China’s National Sovereignty and this is why I wanted to personally apologize for such inaccuracy and for any distress that it might have caused.”
Elle Germany releases “Back to Black” issue – October 2019

Image Credit: Naomi Campbell

Elle Germany was embroiled in controversy after the release of its “Back to Black” November issue, which featured a photo of a white model on its cover. Inside the issue, the magazine includes a spread called “Black is Back,” featuring images of six black models with the text: “never before have models of color been in greater demand than they are now. But these great women also inspire us off the runway.” Adding to the controversy, model Naomi Chin Wing is misidentified in the spread as Janaye Furman. After backlash from the likes of Naomi Campbell and Diet Prada, Elle Germany editor-in-chief, Sabine Nedelchev issued an apology on Instagram, stating: “It was a mistake to use the cover line, ‘Back to Black,’ which could be understood as if black persons would be a kind of fashion trend. This obviously wasn’t our intention and it was our mistake not to be more sensitive about this.”

Gucci Under Fire for ‘Blackface’ Balaclava – February 2019

Burberry Apologizes for Insensitive Noose Sweater – February 2019

Louis Vuitton Condemns Abuse Amid Michael Jackson Controversy – March 2019

Jeffree Star’s Makeup Warehouse Robbed – April 2019

Gucci Accused of Cultural Appropriation Over ‘Indy Turban’ – May 2019

Jaclyn Hill Cosmetics Recall – May 2019

Kim Kardashian’s Kimono Shapewear Brand – June 2019

Nike Plus-Size Mannequin Backlash – June 2019

Nike Plus-Size Mannequin Backlash – June 2019

Backlash Against Related Cos.’ Stephen Ross – August 2019

Givenchy, Coach and Versace Embroiled in China Fashion Controversy – August 2019

Givenchy, Coach and Versace Embroiled in China Fashion Controversy – August 2019

Givenchy, Coach and Versace Embroiled in China Fashion Controversy – August 2019

Givenchy, Coach and Versace Embroiled in China Fashion Controversy – August 2019

Elle Germany releases “Back to Black” issue – October 2019