Some news items for you as we head into the weekend:
• DNA Magazine: Two of the most widely used AI image models will refuse to guess whether someone is gay from a photo, but happily edit that same face to “look gay” on request.
Fashion brand Diesel is facing some backlash over a new limited edition clothing line that includes a pricey silk jacket with a homophobic slur printed all over it.
The jacket, which is part of the company’s ‘Diesel Hate Couture’ line, features the word ‘faggot’ printed multiple times in a random pattern.
The line includes several types of items like t-shirts, hoodies, bomber jackets, hats and more.
“The truth is this: the more you expose the hate you get, treating it with irony and irreverence, the less power it has to cause harm,” Diesel told Hypebeast last month. “This is why we are launching HAɄTE COUTURE. A unique collection designed to do just that: disempower hate.”
The concept behind the provocative clothing is to reclaim online hate using the slogan, ‘The more hate you wear, the less you care.’
Other terms used in the line include ‘slut,’ ‘fat,’ ‘weirdo,’ ‘not cool’ and ‘f*ck you imposter.’
While outrageous, none seem quite as inflammatory or hateful as the f-word.
“Online hate is inevitable, but caring about it is optional,” writes Diesel on the YouTube page for the ad spot below.
The video begins by explaining all of the terms used were picked by the cast members from actual hate comments they’ve received via social media.
You can see openly gay actor Tommy Dorfman (Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why) wearing the controversial jacket, which sells for a whopping £350. The jacket appears to be available only on the brand’s UK website.
Also taking part in the video are Nicki Minaj, Gucci Mane, Miles Heizer, Barbie Ferreira, Bella Thorne, Yoo Ah-In, Bria Vinaite, Yovanna Ventura and Jonathan Bellini.
“Our aim has always been to disempower those that create the hate and manifest negativity,” said Diesel in a statement to Mic last month. “Every individual cast within the campaign relates personally to the issue itself.”
“To bring awareness to the wider issue, each chose a phrase that they wanted to wear proudly with the goal of empowering others to take a stance,” the statement continued. “Together, Diesel and Tommy Dorfman use this as a platform to disempower the haters and show the more hate you wear, the less you care.”
Dorfman also tweeted: “All proceeds from this jacket are benefitting the Ali Forney Center in NY which provides shelter, food and programs to homeless LGBTQ+ youth.”
The items came online last month, but responses on social media has been coming in waves.
Some folks like the idea, but others call the idea “offensive” and “disgusting.”
No, @DIESEL. Wearing a derogatory word scrawled all over your back is not the way to combat hate £350 though. I mean, a bargain really. pic.twitter.com/EndIJNo2nA
What the flying fricken hell is this????? I have the strongest hate for this word and the way it’s thrown around like it’s nothing, and they’ve just gone and put it all over a jacket. It isn’t a positive word that should be plastered all over a jacket. Bold move diesel bold move.
To be honest, I’m with Diesel on this one. Ny taking ownership of a word you take away its power. I’m gay and faggot is my favourite word. It’s also used frequently within my circle of friends both gay and straight. I’d wear that jacket. https://t.co/Km8Qv9Tk4J
We STAND with @Diesel and their FAGGOT jacket. And if you dont, you are a huge hypocrite. Also: “All proceeds from this jacket are benefitting the @AliForneyCenter In NY which provides shelter, food and programs to homeless LGBTQ+ youth. The majority are ppl of COLOUR &/or #HIV+ pic.twitter.com/p1eyBGdfg1
#makelovenotwalls is about tearing down the mental and physical walls that separate us, and let all sides come together in the name of unity and love.
Diesel takes on the Wall, a symbol of separation by definition, breaking it down to create strong storytelling throughout the imagery developed around it: walls are built and the Diesel love tank breaks it with a heart shape turning a symbol of separation into a happy place full of flowers of celebration of freedom and love.
“At Diesel, we have a strong position against hate and more than ever we want the world to know that,” explains Artistic Director Nicola Formichetti. “Love and togetherness is cru-cial in creating a society we all want to live in, and the future we all deserve.”
These themes are not new territory for Diesel. Last year, Diesel announced “This ad is gender neutral” as two Asian and Caucasian models, wearing the same sweater, embraced.
Colton Haynes of the CW’s Arrow makes a return his roots (he was discovered at age 15 as a model for Abercrombie & Fitch) by starring in a new ad campaign for Diesel, with photography by Nick Knight.
Artistic director of Diesel, Nicola Formichetti, shared in a statement: “The new vision of the brand is strong for both men and women. It is a united vision. The casting is a big part of what we do at Diesel; it’s the forming of a new kind of tribe.”
