Only one day ago the official account of the Maison Valentino started posting its campaign for Valentino Collezione Milano.
However, many users have criticized through comments one of the images in this service, namely the self-portrait of photographer Michael Bailey Gates, who portrays him naked holding one of the bags with the iconic Valentino “stud”.
The homophobic comments intensified during the day, so that the creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli considered it appropriate to intervene in this regard through a post on his personal account:
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“Michael.
After we posted this picture on Maison Valentino a lot of people reacted with hateful and aggressive comments. My job is to deliver my vision of beauty according to the time we are living and beauty and whom we consider beautiful, is a reflection of our own values.
We are witnessing a big, huge shift in human kind, the movements of self awareness are all leaded by the same idea: evolution is possible if equality is possible, if inclusivity is possible, if human rights are defended and freedom of expression is protected and nurtured.
Hate is not an expression, hate is a reaction to fear and fear can easily turn into violence, which can be either a comment or an aggression to two guys kissing in a subway.
We have to stand against and condemn all form of violence, hate, discrimination and racism and I‘m proud to use my voice and my work to do so, now and forever.This picture is a self portrait of young beautiful man and evil is in the eye of the beholder, not in his naked body.
Change is possible, no one ever said that it would be easy but I am ready to face difficulties, in the name of freedom, love, tolerance and growth”.
For months, perhaps years, through communication, companies have tried (at least formally) to break down prejudices of any kind, primarily with respect to sexual orientation.
Yet, when you really try to propose something different, keyboard warriors promptly mobilize to deliver a new blow to the human intellect.
What to do then? Pierpaolo Piccioli's point of view is very interesting to give us an answer. You have to look at the company, its evolution, its needs and follow it smoothly.
You need to accept the change, make it your own and make everyone feel accepted.
It is necessary to oppose hatred, always, as it does not consist of any solution.
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