Dolce & Gabbana tried selling a $2,400 ‘slave’ sandal
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.
-
How gaming organization OTK strikes a balance between creator-ownership and more traditional executive experience
Since its formation in October 2020, creator ownership has been a core part of One True King’s DNA. The group is constantly adding new talent to its list of creator–owners, fueling a rapid rise and accolades such as “Best Content Organization” at last year’s Streamer Awards.
-
When it comes to TikTok, some marketers proceed with caution
For some marketers, the bloom is coming off TikTok.
-
Digiday+ Research deep dive: YouTube holds strong as a reliable marketing channel for agencies and brands
YouTube might not be considered the most exciting marketing channel out there, but brands and agencies see the platform as a reliable marketing channel that delivers consistent success.
-
SponsoredHow advertisers are leveraging omnichannel attribution and measurement to power CTV
Sponsored by MNTN Connected TV advertising has joined and expanded the larger ecosystem of campaigns that advertisers deploy. As such, omnichannel marketing strategies now encompass television and mobile devices, tablets and other screens such as out-of-home. And as customers engage across these different touchpoints, brands are seeking and moving their measurement and analytics efforts to […]
-
Pringles goes all in on social to put college athletes front-and-center for ‘March Mustache’ campaign
Pringles is turning to social media — particularly Instagram — to leverage some of the college athletes playing in the March Madness basketball tournament, with the goal of reaching college basketball fans on second screens.
-
Short-form video needs better monetization, creator funds aren’t the way to do it
Creator funds have almost been like a stepping stone before a more permanent solution is either considered or put into place.
