Gucci has announced a new initiative to support inclusivity with a new fund. The Kering-owned brand has launched Gucci Changemakers, a global program that supports industry change and fosters unity through community action. The news follows an earlier announcement of a long-term diversity and inclusion action plan.
Initially launched internally in 2018, the program includes a multi-year 5 million dollar Changemakers Fund and a 1.5 million dollar scholarship program in North America, alongside an international employee-volunteering framework that will fuel the company’s commitment to creating lasting social impact within the fashion industry.
The CEO of Gucci Marco Bizarre stated that he believes in dialogue, building bridges and taking quick action and that this why the brand started working immediately on the long-term infrastructure at Gucci to address their shortcomings. Through the Changemakers program, they will invest important resources to unify and strengthen our communities across North America.
Gucci believes through their scholarship fund we will also create more opportunities for talented young people to gain access to careers in the fashion industry. Last month Gucci was the focus of a racial controversy when a sweater available for sale was believed to represent blackface. Gucci subsequently removed the design from its retail outlets and offered an apology for causing offence.
