Unless you’ve been taking a summer vacation from the internet, you’re probably aware of the furor caused by Versace’s fall/winter 16. Shot by Bruce Weber, one particular ad shows Gigi Hadid holding the hand of an impeccably dressed man, accompanied by two children. So far, so normative. However, instead of praising Versace’s representation of a racially diverse family, certain commentators have been quick to call “tokenism” on the brand, as if the presence of any black person is only about ticking boxes. Elsewhere, others have flagged up the unrealistic family set up, as Hadid only just turned 21 in April. (Just because she’s holding the children’s hands, doesn’t mean they are hers).
Such criticism says a lot about how much prejudice there still is surrounding “family,” what is considered normative and what is denigrated as “Other.” Speaking to The Telegraph, Donatella Versace justified her choice by the following: “My name is Versace — I don’t know how to do things quietly, that is just my blood and my family. We make a noise, shout loud, never hold back on our opinions…With my collections, I’ve been thinking more and more about the real life of Versace, and the complexity of women’s lives. They run their own business, look after their family, travel, share time with friends, all often in the same day.” #preach
Credits
Text Tish Weinstock