Luxury fashion brand Prada makes a deal with NYC after racism controversy over 'Pradamalia' objects - GulfToday

Luxury fashion brand Prada makes a deal with NYC after racism controversy over 'Pradamalia' objects

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One of Prada's 'Pradamalia' objects.

The government of New York struck a deal with luxury fashion brand Prada to make efforts to fight racism and promote diversity following a controversial line of products released by the brand.

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Prada has released monkey-like keychain figurines that has exaggerated red lips and blackface caricatures.

“Pradamalia” objects as they were called caused a lot of uproar for their racist touch to the products.

The items were featured prominently in the window display of Prada's Soho store in New York.

Critics said the merchandise -- which was pulled from shelves following the outcry -- resembled Sambo, a racist caricature that reinforced negative stereotypes about America's black community.

The problematic custom of blackface dates back to about 1830, and so-called "minstrel shows," when white performers caked their faces in greasepaint or shoe polish and drew on exaggerated lips.

As part of the agreement, Prada will send all of their New York employees for racial equality training, the city's commission on human rights said in a press release.

The label will also create a scholarship program "for people historically underrepresented in fashion," the statement added.

Prada must also present the commission with a list of candidates for a senior officer tasked with monitoring its products sold in the United States.

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