What happened: Several weeks ago, fashion industry DJ Michel Gaubert has been caught up in online controversy following a social media post that shows him wearing an ‘Asian face’ paper mask and shouting ‘Wuhan girls , wahoo! In the wake of widespread backlash, Gaubert issued two public apologies for his actions.
Today, ahead of the Chanel Resort 2022 fashion show, Bruno Pavlovsky, president of the French luxury house, said in an interview with WWD that the house supports Gaubert and his apologies. “Michel is a talented man who is very respectful of others, and he apologized for his actions. He is mortified because he never intended to offend anyone. He’s a longtime partner of the house, and you don’t give up on a partner because of an incident, ”Pavlovsky said.
The article was reposted by fashion watchdog @diet_prada and has garnered thousands of views and comments. AAPI supporters and fashion activists have spoken out against Chanel’s stance, while others have apparently turned their attention to Chanel’s latest show. The comments included condemnations like @regardsnorman’s: “Okay, I guess the white people are accepting an apology for us now.”
The Jing socket: Despite the online outcry against DJ Gaubert and the current increase in hate crimes Against Asians around the world, Chanel strongly supported fashion’s favorite sound designer. The move, however, comes as no surprise and only reflects the Eurocentric structures that made DJ Gaubert think his actions were acceptable in the first place.
Chanel is not only one of the most powerful names in luxury, it is one of the most powerful brands in the world. The brand itself, as well as its key stakeholders, are protected by their privilege and power. However, this reality is changing and leaders must take note. In this case, there is no real threat to Chanel’s results or apparently to DJ Gaubert’s career. But what about the next incident and the one after?
Chanel’s response highlights a bigger problem. The brand, alongside many others, continues to prove that it is slow to embrace the thinking needed to reinvent an industry that values equality. Frames need of start flexing those muscles themselves, starting with recognizing their own privilege and understanding how that affects their trading decisions.
The Jing socket reports on major news and presents our editorial team’s analysis of key implications for the luxury industry. In the recurring column, we analyze everything from product declines and mergers to heated debates popping up on Chinese social media.
