Screenshot of Prada website

Another scandal erupted in social networks: the Prada brand was suspected of supporting the Russian special operation in Ukraine. The reason for this was a photo from the show posted on the website, where users saw the letter Z in the spotlight. After the start of special operations, it became a symbol of support for Russia’s actions.

The photo has been on the site for a while, but has only just been noticed. The lighting for which Z is considered was used in the demonstrations of men’s and women’s collections in Milan: the first was presented in January, the second on February 24 (coincidentally, the day this special operation began).

Screenshot of Prada website

Now, there are many comments full of criticism and anger under the latest posts on the Prada account. Other users try to appeal to common sense and logic and convince those who are offended that the artistic design of the show, prepared before the special ops, is hardly a gesture of support.

In addition, the brand had previously criticized Russia’s actions. An official statement was released on March 3, stating that what happened on the brand’s account was “worrying and of great concern”. Prada then announced that they donated in favor of Ukrainian refugees. The brand has also suspended its operations in Russia.

“Prada, what’s going on? Autumn/winter men’s collection, letter Z supporting Russian aggression? Delete it!”“How can you support?”.
“Z is just a letter of the alphabet, stop going crazy.”“Delete the photo from Z, or are you the murderer?”.

Previously, other representatives of the fashion industry also had problems with the use of the letter Z (or anything that looked like it).

Because of this, the Russian Elle was criticized for the removal of “Generation Z” – the number was printed even before the start of the special operation, and the inscription was dedicated to the cymbals. However, after the online scandal, the American Elle hastened to move away from her Russian colleagues, recalling that the Hearst publishing holding has already exited the Russian business. Shortly after the cover scandal, it was learned that the print edition of Elle in Russia would be suspended.

After that, the French brand Louis Vuitton was attacked – on jewelry with the combined initials of the brand LV, some saw the letter Z.

Kaia Gerber at Prada on February 24, 2022