Prada, the Italian luxury fashion house, announced a series of diversity and inclusion initiatives in response to a racial controversy that erupted in 2018. The controversy was sparked by a Prada product line that featured blackface imagery, which was widely criticized for being racially insensitive and offensive.
The incident prompted Prada to take a closer look at its diversity and inclusion policies, and the brand has since launched several initiatives to promote greater diversity and inclusivity within the company.
One of the key initiatives is the Prada Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council, which was formed in 2019. The council is made up of external experts in the field of diversity and inclusion, as well as members of Prada’s senior management team. The council is tasked with providing guidance and recommendations to help the brand improve its diversity and inclusion policies and practices.
In addition to the advisory council, Prada has also launched a range of other initiatives to promote greater diversity and inclusivity within the company. These include:
- Diversity and Inclusion Training: Prada has implemented mandatory diversity and inclusion training for all employees, including senior management. The training aims to raise awareness of unconscious bias and promote a more inclusive workplace culture.
- Employee Resource Groups: Prada has established several employee resource groups, including a Black Employee Resource Group, a LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group, and a Women’s Employee Resource Group. These groups provide a platform for employees to connect, share experiences, and provide feedback on diversity and inclusion initiatives.
- Diversity and Inclusion Recruitment: Prada has committed to increasing diversity in its recruitment processes, including implementing blind recruitment practices and partnering with organizations that promote diversity and inclusion.
- Collaboration with Artists and Designers: Prada has collaborated with a number of artists and designers to promote diversity and inclusivity in its product lines. For example, the brand collaborated with the Black artist Theaster Gates on a collection that was inspired by African American culture and heritage.
Prada’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is an important step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable fashion industry. The brand’s efforts to promote diversity and inclusivity within its own company are commendable, and its collaborations with artists and designers are helping to promote greater representation and diversity in the fashion world.
However, Prada’s journey towards greater diversity and inclusion is ongoing, and there is still work to be done. The brand must continue to listen to feedback from employees, customers, and external stakeholders, and take concrete steps to address any issues or challenges that arise.
By prioritizing diversity and inclusion, Prada is not only taking a stand against racism and discrimination, but is also setting an example for other fashion brands to follow. It is important for the industry as a whole to recognize the importance of diversity and inclusivity, and to work towards creating a more equitable and representative future for all.
