The model publicly criticises Dolce & Gabbana over the lack of diversity at its Menswear Fall/Winter 2026–2027 runway, reigniting the debate on racism and exclusion in luxury fashion.
Bella Hadid has once again taken a firm stance in the cultural debate surrounding the fashion industry. The American model issued strong criticism of Dolce & Gabbana following the brand’s recent menswear show during Milan Fashion Week, calling out the complete absence of racial diversity in the runway casting.
Hadid’s reaction came via a comment on Instagram, posted under a video analysing the Italian house’s Menswear Fall/Winter 2026–2027 presentation, where, as observed, only white male models appeared on the runway. “Shocked people still support this company — it’s embarrassing,” the model wrote, extending her criticism to the entire creative process, including models, stylists and the casting team.
She did not stop there. In a follow-up comment, Bella Hadid reinforced her position by referencing the brand’s long history of controversy. “Been cancelled for years… racism, sexism, bigotry, xenophobia. How are we still shocked?” she added, making her stance clear towards a fashion house that, despite repeated backlash, continues to occupy a central place on the international fashion calendar.
The model’s statements have reignited an ongoing conversation around diversity, representation and inclusion on luxury runways, particularly at a time when many major houses claim to be reassessing their internal practices. In the case of Dolce & Gabbana, this is far from the first time the brand has faced public accusations of this nature.
Over the past decade, founders Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana have been involved in multiple controversies. In 2013, they were convicted of tax evasion; in 2015, they faced widespread criticism for comments about IVF; and in 2018, the brand was accused of making racist remarks related to China — an episode that ended with an apology video later removed.
Bella Hadid, well known for her activism and for using her global platform to speak out on social and political issues, once again places the spotlight on the responsibility of major fashion houses within a global system increasingly demanding tangible change rather than symbolic gestures. Beyond a single runway show, the controversy raises an uncomfortable question that remains unresolved: can contemporary luxury remain relevant without reflecting the diversity of the world it claims to represent?
In the midst of Milan Fashion Week, Hadid’s words do not target just one brand, but an entire industry that, once again, is being forced to confront its own reflection.
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