The Business of Fashion
Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
The Italian luxury brand issued an apology after content from a recently released campaign starring model Mitsuki Kimura (known widely as Koki) received criticism on Japanese social media platforms.
In the ad, which has since been removed from Valentino’s online channels, Kimura poses in heels on a piece of fabric that for many users resembled an obi, or kimono sash, that was laid on the ground. Online, commentators decried the placement of the sash as a symbol of traditional Japanese culture and the fact that it was “stomped on” by a model in shoes; some deemed the visual blasphemous.
“The fabric resembles the Japanese traditional obi and Maison Valentino deeply apologises for any offence caused,” a spokesperson said, emphasising the brand’s commitment to “nurturing a culture of equality and inclusion on a global scale.”
The spokesperson added that the campaign, which also features Korean actress Son Ye-jin and Chinese actress Guan Xiaotong, seeks to highlight a connection between global communities and cultures.
The luxury goods maker is seeking pricing harmonisation across the globe, and adjusts prices in different markets to ensure that the company is”fair to all [its] clients everywhere,” CEO Leena Nair said.
Hermes saw Chinese buyers snap up its luxury products as the Kelly bag maker showed its resilience amid a broader slowdown in demand for the sector.
The group’s flagship Prada brand grew more slowly but remained resilient in the face of a sector-wide slowdown, with retail sales up 7 percent.
The guidance was issued as the French group released first-quarter sales that confirmed forecasts for a slowdown. Weak demand in China and poor performance at flagship Gucci are weighing on the group.