Must Read: Gucci Issues Guidelines to Deal With Angry Shoppers, 'Vogue' Brazil Reveals Diversity Initiatives
Plus, Kim Kardashian "takes a stand" against designer knockoffs.
These are the stories making headlines in fashion on Wednesday.
Gucci issues guidelines to deal with angry shoppers
Gucci sent out guidelines to its employees on ways to deal with protestors and angry customers. According to an internal memo obtained by TMZ, the brand told its staff to "focus on de-escalation" and to "never engage in a verbal or physical altercation with a client," and then provided them with scripts for different situations. As for the blackface sweater, Gucci authorized its workers to apologize on behalf of the company and accept any return of the item, even if it goes against their 14-day return policy. {TMZ}
Vogue Brazil reveals diversity initiatives
Vogue Brazil came under fire last week after its fashion director posted photos from her birthday party that critics saw as an allusion to race relations during the colonial era, when Brazil relied heavily on slave labor. The fashion director has since resigned, and the publication issued a statement noting its "zero tolerance for racism." Now, a spokesperson for Condé Nast International says the magazine is working on three major initiatives covering education of employees, recruiting and diversity efforts and ensuring diversity of content, to prevent such racially insensitive blunders in the future. {WWD}
Kim Kardashian "takes a stand" against designer knockoffs
On Sunday, Kim Kardashian attended the Hollywood Beauty Awards wearing a vintage Mugler dress. In less than 24 hours, a suspiciously similar version of her dress was available for pre-order on Fashion Nova for $49.99. The following day, Kardashian expressed her disapproval of brands that plagiarize designer looks with a series of posts on Instagram and Twitter. "It's devastating to see these fashion companies rip off designs that have taken the blood, sweat and tears of true designers who have put their all into their own original ideas," she wrote. "I've watched these companies profit off my husband's work for years and now that it's also affecting designers who have been so generous to give me access to their beautiful works, I can no longer sit silent." Is the reality star leaking her looks to Fashion Nova for profit? Find out next season on "Keeping Up with the Kardashians"! {WWD}
Streetwear as luxury brands have made it out to be is evolving
We saw a return to relaxed tailoring in the men's Fall 2019 collections, which is a departure from the casual, streetwear-inspired silhouettes that have dominated in recent seasons. Designers also gave a fresh take on leather goods — made relevant to a younger generation through innovative hardware and prints — as well as offered up formal shoe-sneaker hybrids. This a good shift, Christopher Morency argues, because it means "luxury brands are finally learning how to speak the language of streetwear their own way." {Highsnobiety}
Bethany Williams receives royal award for ethically-focused fashion
On Tuesday, the Duchess of Cornwall presented British designer Bethany Williams with the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design — an award that recognizes young designers making a difference to society. Williams, who graduated from the London College of Fashion in 2016, has built her business with a focus on social and environmental concerns. Her clothing line is manufactured using sustainable materials in partnership with charities that support social change. {Business of Fashion}
Stores of the future should focus on localization, service and shareability
During a several-day conference earlier this month, executives in retail design, experience and real estate gathered in Miami to talk about the future of stores. While many agreed that there's no tried-and-true formula for creating meaningful store experiences, they all highlighted the importance of focusing on localization, service and shareability. {Retail Dive}
