Dolce & Gabbana Black Figurine Earrings And Dress, Are They Racist? (PHOTOS, POLL)

UPDATE: In the wake of the controversy surrounding Dolce & Gabbana's use of Blackamoor imagery in their Spring 2013 collection, the fashion house has issued an explanation on its website Swide.com. The post says that the heads used in their designs are based on "Moorish" figures-- "a term used to define many peoples throughout history...In Sicily’s case it defines the conquerors of Sicily." It goes on to explain more of Sicily's specific cultural history behind the figures, including their role in inspiring "beautiful artifacts (vases, lamps, etc). However, as we state in the article below, the images are also seen as taboo, offensive and racially insensitive. The Mammy-looking figures recall a past of slavery and servitude that many don't want to be reminded of--especially via a fashion statement.

If Victoria's Secret "Sexy Little Geisha" getup didn't get your blood boiling, maybe this latest sartorial snafu will do the trick.

Luxury Italian fashion brand Dolce & Gabbana presented their Spring 2013 collection on Sunday -- and while the toy soldier printed dresses and striped rompers were kitschy, it was the images of dark-skinned, slave-like African women splashed on burlap-sack frocks and adorning the ears of models that made some people cringe.

SCROLL DOWN FOR IMAGES OF THE EARRINGS AND DRESSES

In fact, the folks over at Refinery29.com called the looks "cartoonish, debasing, subaltern imagery that would make even your politically incorrect Grandpa think twice." Ouch.

While the decorative images and figurines -- also known as Blackamoors -- of black people dressed lavishly in turbans and jewels are largely considered collectable art, they can also be very offensive. No matter how beautiful they are, the figures still represent slavery. With that said, are you offended by D&G's use of Blackamoors?

Perhaps Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana were simply taken with the beauty of the ebony figures and meant no harm. After all, they didn't call the pieces out as "slave earrings" or "slave dresses" like Vogue Italia's unfortunate gaffe. However, the design duo should have steered clear of anything that would profit from slave culture.

Furthermore, for a show that presented over 85 looks, there were no black models represented on the runway. We can't decide whether it's better there weren't any considering the collection's questionably racist embellishments or if the lack of diversity makes it even worse. Had a black model been wearing the earrings or dress, we probably wouldn't give it a second thought. But don't let the only sign of diversity come via racially insensitive imagery. So not vogue.

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Here's a closer look at Dolce & Gabbana's black figurine earrings and fabric print. Check out the rest of the Spring 2013 collection in the slideshow below.

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• Dolce & Gabbana - Runway - Milan Fashion Week Womenswear S/S 2013

  MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 23: A model walks the runway at the Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2013 fashion show as part of Milan Womenswear Fashion Week on September 23, 2012 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)

• Dolce & Gabbana - Runway - Milan Fashion Week Womenswear S/S 2013

  MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 23: A model walks the runway at the Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2013 fashion show as part of Milan Womenswear Fashion Week on September 23, 2012 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)

• Dolce & Gabbana - Runway - Milan Fashion Week Womenswear S/S 2013

  MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 23: A model walks the runway at the Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2013 fashion show as part of Milan Womenswear Fashion Week on September 23, 2012 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)

• Dolce & Gabbana - Runway - Milan Fashion Week Womenswear S/S 2013

  MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 23: A model walks the runway at the Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2013 fashion show as part of Milan Womenswear Fashion Week on September 23, 2012 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)

• Dolce & Gabbana - Runway - Milan Fashion Week Womenswear S/S 2013

  MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 23: A model walks the runway at the Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2013 fashion show as part of Milan Womenswear Fashion Week on September 23, 2012 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)

• Dolce & Gabbana - Runway - Milan Fashion Week Womenswear S/S 2013

  MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 23: A model walks the runway at the Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2013 fashion show as part of Milan Womenswear Fashion Week on September 23, 2012 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)

• Dolce & Gabbana - Runway - Milan Fashion Week Womenswear S/S 2013

  MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 23: A model walks the runway at the Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2013 fashion show as part of Milan Womenswear Fashion Week on September 23, 2012 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)

• Dolce & Gabbana - Runway - Milan Fashion Week Womenswear S/S 2013

  MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 23: A model walks the runway at the Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2013 fashion show as part of Milan Womenswear Fashion Week on September 23, 2012 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)

• Dolce & Gabbana - Runway - Milan Fashion Week Womenswear S/S 2013

  MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 23: A model walks the runway at the Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2013 fashion show as part of Milan Womenswear Fashion Week on September 23, 2012 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)

• Dolce & Gabbana - Runway - Milan Fashion Week Womenswear S/S 2013

  MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 23: A model walks the runway at the Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2013 fashion show as part of Milan Womenswear Fashion Week on September 23, 2012 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)

• Dolce & Gabbana - Runway - Milan Fashion Week Womenswear S/S 2013

  MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 23: A model walks the runway at the Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2013 fashion show as part of Milan Womenswear Fashion Week on September 23, 2012 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)

• Dolce & Gabbana - Runway - Milan Fashion Week Womenswear S/S 2013

  MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 23: A model walks the runway at the Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2013 fashion show as part of Milan Womenswear Fashion Week on September 23, 2012 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)

• Dolce & Gabbana - Runway - Milan Fashion Week Womenswear S/S 2013

  MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 23: A model walks the runway at the Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2013 fashion show as part of Milan Womenswear Fashion Week on September 23, 2012 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)

• Dolce & Gabbana - Runway - Milan Fashion Week Womenswear S/S 2013

  MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 23: A model walks the runway at the Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2013 fashion show as part of Milan Womenswear Fashion Week on September 23, 2012 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)

• Dolce & Gabbana - Runway - Milan Fashion Week Womenswear S/S 2013

  MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 23: A model walks the runway at the Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2013 fashion show as part of Milan Womenswear Fashion Week on September 23, 2012 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)

• Dolce & Gabbana - Runway - Milan Fashion Week Womenswear S/S 2013

  MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 23: A model walks the runway at the Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2013 fashion show as part of Milan Womenswear Fashion Week on September 23, 2012 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)

• Dolce & Gabbana - Runway - Milan Fashion Week Womenswear S/S 2013

  MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 23: A model walks the runway at the Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2013 fashion show as part of Milan Womenswear Fashion Week on September 23, 2012 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)

• Dolce & Gabbana - Runway - Milan Fashion Week Womenswear S/S 2013

  MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 23: Model Cara Delevingne walks the runway at the Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2013 fashion show as part of Milan Womenswear Fashion Week on September 23, 2012 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)

• Dolce & Gabbana - Runway - Milan Fashion Week Womenswear S/S 2013

  MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 23: A model walks the runway at the Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2013 fashion show as part of Milan Womenswear Fashion Week on September 23, 2012 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)

• Dolce & Gabbana - Runway - Milan Fashion Week Womenswear S/S 2013

  MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 23: A model walks the runway at the Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2013 fashion show as part of Milan Womenswear Fashion Week on September 23, 2012 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)

• Dolce & Gabbana - Runway - Milan Fashion Week Womenswear S/S 2013

  MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 23: A model walks the runway at the Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2013 fashion show as part of Milan Womenswear Fashion Week on September 23, 2012 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)

• Dolce & Gabbana - Runway - Milan Fashion Week Womenswear S/S 2013

  MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 23: A model walks the runway at the Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2013 fashion show as part of Milan Womenswear Fashion Week on September 23, 2012 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)

• Dolce & Gabbana - Runway - Milan Fashion Week Womenswear S/S 2013

  MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 23: A model walks the runway at the Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2013 fashion show as part of Milan Womenswear Fashion Week on September 23, 2012 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)

• Dolce & Gabbana - Runway - Milan Fashion Week Womenswear S/S 2013

  MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 23: Models walk the runway at the Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2013 fashion show as part of Milan Womenswear Fashion Week on September 23, 2012 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)

• Dolce & Gabbana - Runway - Milan Fashion Week Womenswear S/S 2013

  MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 23: models walk the runway at the Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2013 fashion show as part of Milan Womenswear Fashion Week on September 23, 2012 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)

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Comments

[Happeepupee]

03:50 PM on 05/15/2013

I don't think racism was intended, but an embracing of the look as a way to honor it. The entire collection is filled with design elements from a variety of cultures. Look at all of the photos before you jump to a conclusion. I noted, for example, Mongol, Nepalese, Moorish, Turkish, and a variety of influences from India; as well as historical influences from places like England. I was left with the feeling that this was meant to be celebratory of these influences, and an honoring of our "one world" global culture as it continues to develop.

[Lesenka]

10:04 PM on 02/02/2013

Beautiful, loveliest collection in a long time, people think too much,where thinking too much is not nesessary, just drop your jaw and look!

[claryssa]

02:32 PM on 01/31/2013

gorgeous!

[nerdswagger]

02:23 AM on 12/31/2012

Black mammy minstrel earrings, they would fit well in the Jim Crow museum. Even got the bright pink-white lips to match and the mammy headscarf. Coming from the same company that made "squaw" sunglasses I'm not surprised.

[Jacknasty83]

02:07 PM on 12/30/2012

Seriously, there are like three pieces in the collection with the Moorish women. This is an Italian design house and "black mammy" isn't really a part of Italian history. This is clearly a collection inspired by different cultures throughout history, notice the Ancient Romans on the dress in picture 9 or the Samurai looking dudes on the dress in picture.

[dre31]

01:33 PM on 12/03/2012

Many countries have their own views on racism.

[dre31]

01:21 PM on 12/03/2012

I don't think its racist, I just think they wanted to do something different. In my opinion, I never viewed them as being racist.. Just stated in my opinion.

[Fulton1]

12:03 PM on 12/03/2012

Other countries veiw racism and culture differnetly than American's so I'll give them a pass. Curious though that they want to celebrate a culture but have no one from that culture representing.

[Ayaana Maat]

10:28 AM on 11/16/2012

Not offended by the images I think they are beautiful pics of my ancestors and the fashion they helped create but only black models should have been wearing them. We are good enough to exploit but not good enough to expose.

[Dani L Rebel]

10:51 AM on 11/06/2012

I'm Black(Caribbean-American), and I do find some of the pieces lovely. But, it bothers me that there were NO Black models on the runways to represent "history." So, unfortunately, this is inappropriate.

[lithonialiberal]

01:54 AM on 11/29/2012

so its inappropriate if whites wear the pieces? makes no sense

[keithb123]

02:32 PM on 11/01/2012

Its beautiful! Its World History! Thanks D&B!

[keithb123]

02:12 PM on 11/01/2012

I am a Moor from North America (Al Morocco). Some people (even some of us Moors) refer to us as “black”, “negro”, “African American” and “Afro American” which are ALL brands that do NOT belong to us. We are Moorish Americans, the aboriginal and indigenous people of the land. I appreciate Dolce & Gabbana for putting a line like this together to pay tribute to our ancestors. Our ancestors brought civilization to the entire world. We brought the Europeans out of darkness during the dark ages, that’s why they are paying tribute. All you angry Moors who call yourselves “black” (a description as in adjective, NOT an identity as in noun), learn your history!

[valmach]

02:43 PM on 10/27/2012

I lived in Italy for a couple of years and Italians don't view Race in exactly the same context as Americans do.. Sicily was conquered by the Moors therefore many Italians have African Blood.. If you go to any European country you're bound to run into some products emblazoned with so called "Mammy" labels .. Get Over It..

[acklebee]

10:19 AM on 10/27/2012

what were they thinking? so messed up

[Camille Michelle]

10:25 AM on 10/24/2012

Can put black women all over your clothes but not on your runway? Insult to injury.