The State of Fashion
Subscribe
Cover photo

Donald Glover's "White Fashion" Episode of Atlanta Takes on Racism and Diversity in the Fashion Industry

“Why would a company make a project that would teach Black people to stop buying their products and to reinvest in their own? Why would they fund their own demise?”

Claire Sulmers

Apr 27
1
7

You can always find past State of Fashion Articles and subscribe to new ones on Bulletin, and you can keep up with me on Instagram and Facebook!

Donald Glover's critically acclaimed series, Atlanta, debuted its 3rd Season last month, and it's already challenging watchers to question the status quo, shining a light on issues ranging from reparations to police brutality to cultural appropriation.

Credit: FX

Episode 6, entitled "White Fashion," takes a stab at the Fashion Industry's trend of racial insensitivity--followed by paltry efforts at showcasing diversity, all anchored by members of the black community willing to compromise their values in exchange for free clothes and charitable donations. This episode kicks off with a European designer named Bouchet of the fictional brand Esco Esco, who receives backlash for releasing a jersey with "Central Park 5" on the back, with a Raccoon type cartoon on the front. As Bouchet explains how he came up with his inspiration, it seems harmless (Central Park is a place of peace, 5 celebrates their 5th anniversary). However, as many people of color in the industry well know, someone black would have immediately flagged the jersey as a huge no no (The Central Park 5 refers to 5 black men wrongly accused and arrested for raping a white female jogger in Central Park. Her rapist eventually turned himself in). Still the Jersey hits the market, and the advertising campaign features a slain white girl surrounded by black men.

Credit: FX

Once the sh*t hits the fan, Esco Esco taps Paperboi (Brian Tyree Henry) and several other apologists to help smooth the situation over.

Credit: FX

All the typical benchmarks follow. Esco Esco has a diversity event, where Gospel music entertains guests. The company enlists a diversity committee to have a press conference, where they promise that racism will end in 2024. Free clothes, food, and champagne flows. A generous donation is given to charity. Then all is forgiven. We have seen this play out almost identically in real life with brands like Gucci, Burberry, and Prada who have made major PR missteps, and then rush to hire Diversity managers, collaborate with black designers, and align themselves with leaders in the community.

Paperboi, the critical thinker, tries to use the opportunity to get African-Americans to invest in their 'hood.' But his message is turned into an "All Lives Matter" commercial, and everything pretty much goes back to the way it's always been (until the next controversy bubbles up).

Anyone in fashion could easily relate to every aspect of this episode. Cultural appropriation is even touched on when Darius (played by Lakeith Stanfield) introduces a white Esco Esco staffer to a Nigerian restaurant that serves Jollof rice. Though the staffer didn't know what Jollof rice was at first, by the end of the episode, she had bought the whole restaurant, converted it into a food truck, and then added her own flair, which totally diluted and destroyed the authenticity of the dish.

Credit: FX

In "White Fashion," Glover makes a statement about the unequal playing field many of us still deal with in the fashion industry. And how our culture can be used, stolen, disrespected, and exploited...all to maintain, not change the status quo.

As Paper Boi yells about how his message of black empowerment is lost, Khalil, his fellow diversity adviser, points out that the imbalance is intentional, saying, “Why would a company make a project that would teach Black people to stop buying their products and to reinvest in their own? Why would they fund their own demise?”

Glover's episode lets the industry know that we are well aware of what is going on. And we're here to truly invest in the 'hood,' while continuing to elevate our own voices, products, and narratives.

You can always find past State of Fashion Articles and subscribe to new ones on Bulletin, and you can keep up with me on Instagram and Facebook!

Subscribe for free to The State of Fashion
By subscribing, you agree to share your email address with Claire Sulmers to receive their original content, including promotions. Unsubscribe at any time. Meta will also use your information subject to the Bulletin Terms and Policies
Subscription provided by Meta. Help Center
Like · 1
Comment · 7
Share

More from The State of Fashion
See all

Diddy Changes Outfits 10 Times to Host the Billboard Music Awards: Which Was Your Favorite?

The Rap Mogul Wore Casablanca, Lanvin, Givenchy, and More
Today

Mary J Blige Slays Her Strength of a Woman Festival in Alexander McQueen, Jacquemus, Dolce & Gabbana, and More!

The Stylish Festival Will Take Place Every Mother's Day in Atlanta
May 9
2

Met Gala 2022 Brings Gilded Glamour, with Kim Kardashian in Bob Mackie, Cardi B in Versace, Janelle Monae in Ralph Lauren & more

My Top Give Met Gala Picks (So Far)
May 2
2
4
Comments
Log in with Facebook to comment

7 Comments

  • La Rankin
    I suggest you research what the Central Park 5 was and correct your article. No one was murdered.
    • 2w
    • Author
      Claire Sulmers
      my apologies will update
      • 2w
  • Anje Collins
    uhm The real rapist did not turn himself in. He was already in prison for life. Him and Korey Wise was in the same prision amd that’s when the truth came out. Research is key. Or maybe you should watch the Netflix series When They See Us. I know the ep…
    See more
    • 2w
  • Juanita V White
    Who wrote this article? The victim in Central Park was raped, not murdered. She decided to run through a dark central park 10 oclock at night and there was particular person in the park that was waiting for an opportunity to rape somebody. So he rap…
    See more
    • 2w
    • Author
      Claire Sulmers
      Any other thoughts on the article?
      • 2w
    View 2 more replies
Share quoteSelect how you’d like to share below
Share on Facebook
Share to Twitter
Send in Whatsapp
Share on Linkedin
Privacy  ·  Terms  ·  Cookies  ·  © Meta 2022
Discover fresh voices. Tune into new conversations. Browse all publications