Dolce & Gabbana is just now learning that slavery is bad.
The realization was triggered by a gladiator-like sandal it was selling online called the “Slave Sandal in Napa Leather with PomPoms” — for $2,400.
Technically, as Footwear News points out, the word slave is an actual shoe term: It is, apparently, a “description for a particular lace-up shoe silhouette.” But the term has fallen out of favor, taking a back seat to the phrase “gladiator sandals” for glaringly obvious reasons. Also, it only takes an ounce of common sense to know avoiding the word is smart marketing.
The listing, which has been edited, still lives on in screenshots:
Other brands, including Saks and Moda Operandi, have smartly left out the word “slave” from their descriptions although the term appears in Lyst’s URL, Racked points out.
Not surprisingly, people on Twitter were mortified. “I’m sorry, but WTF is wrong with people?!,” one person tweeted. Another added: “Okay but how did D&G think it was okay to name some sandals ‘slave sandal’ wow.”
Italian Vogue could have warned them against the moniker: In 2011 the publisher was heavily lashed online for featuring “slave earrings” on its website before apologizing. But then again, Dolce & Gabbana has a habit of courting controversy: Last year Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana publicly criticized in vitro fertilization.
The designer hasn’t responded for comment. Upon further inspection, perhaps the sandal’s design is worth apologizing over too.
More in Marketing
Digiday+ Research: The marketers’ 2026 guide to creator marketing, including Duolingo, Ulta and YouTube
While Instagram, TikTok and YouTube remain dominant social platforms for influencer partnerships, creators are increasingly being used across other media channels, including retail media, CTV and display ads.
How 3 brands are using TikTok Shop to expand abroad
As these brands venture into the U.K., Europe and Japan, they say that the key to a global approach to TikTok Shop involves tailored marketing campaigns.
How beauty brands are popping up around World Cup festivities
Beauty and skin care in particular have taken a bigger spotlight this year, exemplifying just how closely beauty and sports have become intertwined.