Dolce and Gabbana (archives)
Photo: MCT
D&G cancel show set for Yom Kippur
Italian fashion giants Dolce and Gabbana reschedule show featured in Milan's fashion week after learning date coincides with Jewish Day of Atonement
ROME – Milan's fashion scene was up in arms Sunday, after famed designers Dolce and Gabbana decided to reschedule a show set for Yom Kippur,
out of respect for their Jewish clientele.
The show was pushed up in order not to infringe on the Jewish religion's holiest day – which happened to coincide with Milan's fashion week.
Apparently, several weeks ago, with the preparations of Milan's fashion week in full swing, directors of the Italian fashion house suddenly noticed their show was set for Yom Kippur, meaning many of their Jewish clients, including prominent fashion critic Suzy Menkes, would not be able to attend the show.
The show was promptly moved up one day, but the move sparked harsh criticism: Designer Roberto Cavalli, for instance, called the move "outrageous and unprecedented."
Sandro di Castro, president of B'nai Brith's Rome office sent the two a letter expressing his gratitude for their thoughtfulness, and was amazed to receive a heartwarming response:
"It was a pleasure to receive your letter… the Jewish community's appreciation of our decision not to hold a show on Yom Kippur means a great deal to us," said the D&G letter.
The letter went on to address the criticism aimed at the decision: "We regret… that unfortunately, the fashion world misunderstood our decision. That is why we are so pleased to learn that the spirit of our decision was so well received by the Jewish community, which we hoped to honor in that way."
A spokesman for Dolce and Gabbana speaking to Yedioth Ahronoth refused to confirm that the show was, indeed, rescheduled due to Yom Kippur, saying that the designers alone, "Who are still very busy with fashion week," have the answer to that question.
Sources in Milan's fashion scene ventured that the ambiguous statement was meant to defuse what has become a sensitive situation for the fashion giants.
