Burberry Announces A New Diversity Initiative

Burberry has announced a series of new diversity and inclusivity initiatives, which aim to “make real change happen”. Burberry’s chief executive Marco Gobbetti issued an official statement on Instagram, followed by a further apology for the controversy the brand faced after it showcased a hoodie that received negative comments during the autumn/winter 2019 shows during London Fashion Week. “At Burberry, we have always sought to build a culture that is diverse, open and inclusive and one where all perspectives are valued,” Gobbetti wrote. “The distress we caused with one of our products last week has shown us that we are not where we need or want to be. We are determined to learn from this and have spoken with our employees, experts and communities we impacted, we have developed a plan to increase our consciousness and understanding of social issues and fully embrace diversity and inclusion.”

As part of its new plan, Burberry has launched a three-stage initiative to achieve its goal. Firstly, the brand will increase its understanding of a range of sensitive topics by rolling out additional training for all employees. It will also establish employee councils and create an advisory board.

Additionally, the brand plans on attracting a diverse line-up of talent by expanding its creative arts scholarship internationally – with the goal of providing full-time employment for 50 of its graduates – and expanding Burberry Inspire (an in-school arts and culture programme designed to help young people overcome challenging circumstances) internationally, too. And it will continue to actively support organisations which promote diversity and inclusion and charities such as Samaritans.

Just last month, Prada also announced the launch of a new Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council, which aims to “amplify voices of colour within the industry”. Both director and producer Ava DuVernay and artist Theaster Gates have been appointed as co-chairs to assist the brand with its “initiative to elevate voices of colour within the company and the fashion industry at-large.”