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Is this blackface or just fashion?

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Image via Getty Images



There has been huge debate about designer, Claudio Cutugno and the controversial make-up used on his models at Milan Fashion Week.



A series of models were spotting with glittery make-up  as part of his Next Generation show.



The 22-year-old Italian designer claims that the make-up choice was inspired by famous artist, Emilio Isgrò, who is known for bee infatuation in his artworks.



The black glitter ‘mask’ seen on the models’ faces was supposed to symbolise a swarm of bees.



I must say like most people, I am on the fence about the intentions of the designer.



As a writer, who has been exposed to countless examples of people portraying blackface, I must admit that this for me feels unintentional.



Don’t get me wrong I'm disappointed that the make-up choice made it onto the runway. Did no one, maybe, think that this could be seen as offensive. Unintentional or not, the execution of the overall concept offended several people; and understandably so.



Another reason I am on the fence is because I am an artist (can I call myself that after 7 years of Visual Arts?). It would be unfortunate to ban the use of black paint or make-up on non-black people when the concept is not racially driven or malicious in any form. Or am I just being ignorant?



The editor-in-chief of FashionBombDaily.com, Claire Sulmers, wrote:



"Is it dark paint on a face? Yes. But is he mocking African culture, or using black paint in place of a black person? No."



But I must admit I do understand and sympathise with those who are offended, because I am a black woman and I have a clear understanding of blackface and its many negative connotations.



Claudio Cutugno has since released a statement on E! News, where he attempted to explain how Emilio Isgrò artworks, along with Ancient Greeks were at the heart of his concept and collection:



"I am extremely respectful of the Afro-American culture and extremely sorry for each type episode of racism. Furthermore my inspiration was coming from a completely different idea which has nothing to do with the theme of Afro-American culture. I would have never thought someone could have find the makeup offensive, otherwise I would have never used it."



With that said, I do believe that the execution was not well thought out. It is very unfortunate that this is how his Milan collection will be remembered.



Do you think the designer was being intentionally racist?

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