an "unhealthily thin" model. In February 2019, Gucci removed a black balaclava sweater with a rollup collar and a cut-out red-lipped mouth from its shelves after it had been compared to a blackface costume. Alessandro Michele responded that his inspiration came from the flamboyant Leigh Bowery but apologized for the way it had been interpreted. To address this issue, Gucci launched the 'Gucci North America Changemakers Scholarship' program dedicated to foster diversity within the fashion industry with a $5-million annual fund to support non-profits and community-based programs involved with "the African-American community and communities of color at-large". In May 2019, the Sikhs community in India criticized Gucci's cultural appropriation of a religious item when the Italian brand commercialized turbans at $800 apiece. In July 2019, Gucci appointed a Global Head of Diversity to address the brand's latest issues with cultural diversity. In October 2019, Gucci launched a $1.5-million scholarship program for US students traditionally underrepresented in the fashion industry. In May 2019, Kering agreed to pay a $1.25-billion tax settlement with the Italian fiscal authorities following Gucci's tax irregularities during the 2011-2017 fiscal periods. During a September 2019 show that resembled a défilé of mental patients, catwalk model Ayesha Tan Jones held up their hands-on which "mental health is not fashion" was written, a reaction to the brand's inappropriate commercial use of the imagery of mental illness. See also Made in Italy Bibliography References External links Italian companies established in 1921 1980s fashion 1990s fashion 2000s fashion 2010s fashion 2020s fashion Altagamma members American Motors Bags (fashion) Clothing brands of Italy Clothing companies established in 1921 Fashion accessory brands High fashion brands Jewellery companies of Italy Luggage manufacturers Perfume houses Shoe companies of Italy Watch manufacturing companies of Italy Manufacturing companies based in Florence Design companies established in 1921 Eyewear brands of Italy Kering brands Luxury brands