Bella Hadid Criticizes Dolce & Gabbana for Years of Racism and Sexism
Bella Hadid criticized the luxury fashion brand Dolce & Gabbana in a pointed social media message.
In reaction to an Instagram clip posted by French fashion influencer Lyas, whose real name is Elias Medini, on Sunday, January 18, Hadid, 29, concurred that Dolce & Gabbana lacked an inclusive brand philosophy. She expressed her views on the brand’s public image, stating, “I’m shocked that people actually support this company still; it’s embarrassing,” in the comment section. “Models/stylists/casting, the whole damn thing.”
Although Hadid has not participated in Dolce & Gabbana runway shows in the past, she has worn several pieces from the brand over the years. She elaborated in another comment, “Been canceled… years of racism, sexism, bigotry, xenophobia… how are we still shocked?”
Us Weekly has reached out to the fashion house for a response.
Hadid’s initial remark on the post came after Medini, 26, described the brand’s Men’s Fall/Winter 2026 Milan show on Saturday, January 17, as “50 shades of white,” garnering over 40,000 likes and 260 comments shortly after.
One fan responded, “OMG, the QUEEN that you are! JEOPARDIZING your incredible career time and again to speak the TRUTH!” while another added, “Yes queen, it should have been canceled years ago.”
However, Hadid’s remarks didn’t resonate with everyone; some fashion industry professionals pointed out the global prominence of Dolce & Gabbana. One commenter stated, “For many in the industry, participating in the show is essential for paying rent; declining is a privilege.” Another warned, “Bella, be cautious.”
Last seen wearing Dolce & Gabbana in October, Hadid—a model known for integrating Western themes into her outfits—was photographed in New York City right before her Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show appearance, sporting equestrian-themed trousers from the brand’s Spring 2001 collection. (Kim Kardashian later reinvented the design as part of her 2023 collaboration with Dolce & Gabbana.)
In February 2025, Hadid was also spotted wearing heeled Dolce & Gabbana boots during an outing in West Hollywood, part of a brief secondary label created by the fashion house featuring prominent butterfly designs.
Bella Hadid’s return to the runway is effortlessly stylish. At 27, she walked the Saint Laurent spring 2025 catwalk on Wednesday, September 24, marking her first runway appearance in two years. For the occasion, she donned an oversized double-breasted blazer with structured shoulders, sleek black buttons, and delicate pockets.
This is not the first instance of Hadid publicly criticizing a notable fashion brand. In 2019, at Paris’ Vogue Fashion Festival, she expressed that she “never felt powerful” while modeling lingerie until she walked the New York Fashion Week catwalk for Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty collection the previous year.
Prior to her work with Savage X Fenty, Hadid walked several lingerie runway shows for Victoria’s Secret, one of which featured her alongside her sister and fellow model Gigi Hadid.
Bella was also outspoken about her participation in a 2024 Adidas campaign that drew criticism for what the brand termed “unintentional” references to the 1972 Munich Olympics. After the campaign launched, Bella stated, “I am shocked, I am upset, and I am disappointed at the lack of sensitivity that went into this campaign. I would never knowingly engage with any art or work linked to a horrific tragedy of any kind.”
The tragic events of the 1972 Olympics involved the deaths of 11 Israeli athletes, a West German police officer, and five terrorists during an attack known as the Munich Massacre.
