Handbag Blues...

Gucci had me in my bag this week! So much so, I debated posting a few of these images with my beloved Gucci Marmont bag.  So let’s get into my bag…

Everyone knows I love a designer handbag and shoe but Gucci went wayyyy left, during, Black History Month at that, with the sambo caricature sweater. The Gucci designer has claimed to be inspired by Leigh Bowery, an Australian artist that used white makeup with large red lips as part of his performances and costumes (wonder where his inspiration came from?), so it begs the question, ‘Why not make the sweater in white?’ Gucci's president and CEO, Marco Bizzarri released a statement saying, "The lack of knowledge of diversity and the consequent understanding are not at the level we expected, despite all the efforts we did inside the company in the last four years." In the last four years??? He further stated, “We made a mistake…Because of cultural ignorance, but ignorance is not an excuse.” He is absolutely correct--it is not!  There is no reason there isn’t diversity in your boardrooms, on your style teams, amongst your designers, that could have prevented this.  As African-Americans purchasing power continues to increase, it is imperative that major brands and businesses are culturally competent and should do its best to honor and respect it’s consumers.

According to the Nielsen report, Black consumers are spending more on Luxury, non-essential products such as women’s fragrances (contributing about 22% to its overall spending) and watches (15.6% in overall spending) demonstrating we value self-image.  Nielsen also reports, “38% of African Americans between the ages of 18 and 34 and 41% of those aged 35 or older say they expect the brands they buy to support social causes…Moreover, Black consumers’ brand preferences are increasingly becoming mainstream choices.” Black consumers possess $1.2 trillion in spending power so our contributions affect the bottom line across industries including luxury items.  With this, it is important that brands continue to establish and integrate diversity and cultural competency in their values as Black purchasing power continues to increase. Gucci has caught on to this, well at least in the last 4 years, but missed the mark to demonstrate their commitment to diversifying their business practices as they expand their branding.  Revamping their diversity programs and branding strategies is going to be key for recovery (take a note from Starbucks, although I haven’t seen any reports regarding their diversity training).

I don’t buy luxury items often but I do get a sense of satisfaction from purchasing them as a reward for my hard work.  So boycott Gucci?  I mean I’m not a celebrity that spends 6- and 7-figures per year with these luxury brands. I barely make 6-figures in a year! So I hope y’all not expecting to shelve my beautiful bags. However, I do see merit in the cause and the solution here is two–fold: reducing the amount of spending with these brands will demonstrate how much revenue we generate for these companies, that will in turn hopefully, bring about dialogue to address social issues as our purchasing power increases and potentially lower prices to somewhat affordability as they were hmmm 4 years ago (how coincidental!). There is a lot of work to be done and I am here for it, that doesn’t mean sis won’t be carrying the purses she’s paid for in the interim.  I just won’t be buying any because I’m down for the cause and frankly, I can’t afford it. 

In other news: #RoadtoPA this week-- I failed or came close to failing 2 exams that I studied my ass off for so I’m a bit discouraged and just down over. This brain isn’t like it was in my early 20’s, (I’m an old bih now lol) so I have to put forth a bit more effort and I have always had pretty poor study habits.  I give myself room for one failed exam since one gets dropped. I’ll take some time to regroup but I have told myself to see this through and finish strong.  Send a prayer my way. The effects of that one semester off are apparent and I have to refocus NOW!  

Drop a comment below with your thoughts. As always, thanks for listening to my rant!

-XOXO

Stina