Update: Ganni has issued a response to the criticism surrounding its fall 2019 fashion show, which faced backlash for featuring images by National Geographic photojournalist Ami Vitale of women in underdeveloped countries as models walked the runway. In a statement to Refinery29, the Scandinavian brand acknowledged the concerns and stated, “At Ganni, it is always our mission to celebrate women around the world. For the GANNI FW19 show, we drew inspiration from the beauty of life on earth and wanted to portray the diversity and connectivity we share on this planet.”
The statement continued, “To illustrate this, we collaborated with photographer Ami Vitale on our set design. Ami has dedicated her life to documenting and amplifying stories of all forms of life. While well-intentioned, we now understand the sensitivities we’ve broached by showing our collection within the context of these images.”
“We sincerely apologize for this, as it was never our intention. We will learn from this mistake and we promise to turn your invaluable insight into action so that we can do better in the future.”
Original Story: Uh oh, the beloved Instagram influencer go-to brand, Ganni, is facing controversy. The Scandinavian label, often celebrated during Copenhagen Fashion Week, is receiving criticism for its fall 2019 show, titled “Life On Earth,” which focused on sustainability and the global #GanniGirl.
During the runway presentation, models showcased vibrant knits, animal print midi skirts, watercolor-inspired dresses, and glittering gowns. However, the show incorporated photos by National Geographic photojournalist Ami Vitale, depicting women in developing countries such as India and Sri Lanka. The juxtaposition of these images with the fashion raised concerns, particularly voiced by New York-based blogger Anaa Nadim Saber of Our Second Skin.
Saber expressed discomfort on Instagram, questioning how showcasing women from underdeveloped countries aligns with sustainability and benefits them. Ganni, known for its Instagram-friendly aesthetic, is now facing scrutiny for this choice in presentation.
