The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.

Gucci selling pair of ‘dirty’ trainers for £615 and the internet is confused

'I've seen it all now'

Olivia Petter
Thursday 21 March 2019 11:17 GMT
Comments

Gucci has prompted criticism on social media for selling a pair of trainers that purposefully look dirty for £615.

The Italian fashion house describes the off-white men’s leather trainers as “vintage”, “distressed” and that the style references "old school shapes” on its website.

The Screener trainers, as they’re called, come in a range of colours, all of which feature the same scruffy aesthetic.

But the shoes have sparked a furore on Twitter, with critics accusing Gucci of "commercialising poverty" and describing the trainers as an example of “peak capitalism”.

“Some people have more money than sense. It’s ridiculous,” commented one person.

Typical high-end designer commercialising poverty,” another added.

The luxury fashion label also sells a pair of tennis shoes, dubbed the Rhyton, with a similar “distressed” off-white appearance.

Both shoes form part of a rising trend for dirty-looking shoes.

In September last year, Italian shoe brand Golden Goose came under fire for a pair of its trainers that looked as if they'd been taped-up with duct tape.

The shoes cost $530 (£400), and were accused of "glorifying poverty".

The negative reaction to the shoes comes days after Gucci came under scrutiny for selling a balaclava knit top that people said was an offensive reference to “blackface”.

The black garment featured a pull-up neck and a cutout with giant red lips.

Creative director Alessandro Michele wrote a letter to staff following the criticism explaining that the design had been inspired by the late performance artist, Leigh Bowery, who was known for his outlandish makeup.

He did, however, accept that the garment could be deemed offensive. It is now no longer being sold.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in