Fashion is a global business. Brands span continents and oceans to engage and engage their audiences. Yet our daily lives, identities, communities and histories are largely local matters. Navigating between the two has its dangers and pit stops, but also a lot of hope and potential. Case in point: Gucci.
As one of the biggest Italian brands, Gucci has been fearless to support and increase its stake in the global community it seeks to cultivate. In , they help reinvigorate Dapper Dan’s Harlem studio, in after a year hiatus (he received the CFDA Lifetime Achievement Award last year). In , it quickly made $ following the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School , Donate to March for Our Lives to support gun control. In 2019, it launched Gucci Changemakers North America, a scholarship and impact fund for grassroots organizations and young creatives of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. The initiative identified Detroit as one of its key cities, kicking off Gucci’s love of the Motor City’s rich history and culture. Three years later, Gucci celebrated the initiative, its academics, and a new store on Liberty Street to celebrate the opening of Detroit Design Month.
Celebration on Thursday, September 8th at the Detroit Museum of Contemporary Art. On display is the ‘Making Lasting Impact’ exhibit, which highlights Gucci Changemaker’s growing list of winners. Gucci Executive Vice President, Chief Brand and Client Officer Susan Chokachi delivers opening remarks reaffirming the brand’s commitment to culture, community and creating positive change; Jessica Care Moore recites a song commissioned by Gucci Changemakers Author of the original poem “We Wear the Work Day”. DJ BMAJR fills the space with the booming beat of a classic Detroit house. The atmosphere is lively as the locals warmly welcome their new neighbors. During the rave, there was a moment to reflect and appreciate what Gucci Changemakers had accomplished.
Essence Corey Stokes, senior vice president of creative and interim associate director of Flint, Michigan, who was in town for the evening’s event, “was really exciting to know that a brand like Gucci is really not only investing in young talent, And invest in a city like Detroit that deserves to be celebrated tonight.”
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2017
