Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana have published a video to their Weibo account today in which they apologise for the offence caused by a recent advert they released in China, which led to retailer Lane Crawford dropping the brand.
The Dolce & Gabbana designers speak in Italian in the video, but it includes a translation in Chinese underneath. The brand has not yet released the video on its Instagram or Twitter pages, prompting some internet users to suspect they may be trying to limit further damage by having the apology spread through the English-speaking world.
The Chinese subtitles make no mention of the offensive comments Gabbana reportedly made via Instagram messages, which the company previously claimed were the result of hacking.
Here is the video, followed by an English translation of the Chinese subtitles, by Campaign Asia-Pacific.
Dolce: For the past few days, we have been deeply reflecting on what our words and behaviours have brought the Chinese people and China, we are very saddened. Our family upbringing has taught us to treat the different world cultures with respect. We hope for your forgiveness for we have erred in understanding the culture.
Gabbana: We take this apology very seriously, and we are extending our deepest apology to every Chinese person in the world.
Dolce: We have always had a deep passion for China, as always. Our frequent trips to China have strengthened our love for the Chinese culture. Of course, there is a lot of room for improvement. For the error that we have mentioned earlier, we must apologise.
Gabbana: We will definitely not forget this episode and the lesson(s) learned. Such things will definitely not happen again. At the same time, we will put in all effort to increase our understanding and respect for the Chinese culture. Finally, please accept our apology from the bottom of our hearts.
In unison: Dui bu qi ['sorry' in Mandarin].
Netizens poke fun at D&G's troubles
Meanwhile, when one of the world's most successful fashion brands manages to insult a large swathe of China and get dropped from a significant number of retail platforms right before the Black Friday shopping bonanza, you can't expect internet users not to delight in the opportunity.
Now for sale #NotMe #tshirt #DolceGabbana on black friday!!!! pic.twitter.com/br4xJr2OTq
— 諸橋 秀明 (@moromoro_hashi) November 23, 2018
Dolce & Gabbana have finally (finally!) apologized for this week's self-inflicted PR shitstorm https://t.co/jzsq2Ipmrs pic.twitter.com/wF67apAd9W
— David Paulk 波大卫 (@davidpaulk) November 23, 2018
There have never been so many comments in your tweets. Let's let you feel the strength of the Chinese VPN community, cowards. pic.twitter.com/uQs1JmDrGc
— 瑞溪 (@Zk3OwsFLYf7s9VE) November 23, 2018
DolceGabbana pic.twitter.com/qoWW7SF1ML
— China4 (@China4x) November 23, 2018
#DolceGabbana #DolceandGabbana
— melonmelon (@buleflamingo) November 23, 2018
a song for DG�� pic.twitter.com/3tMz2LS3uU
