Valentino Teams Up With Bootleg Clothing Designer To Launch ‘Vaccinated’ Hoodies
Image via Valentino
Typically, when high-end fashion brands come across bootleg versions of their merchandise, it ends in a lawsuit.
This time, however, Valentino did the unexpected when it chanced upon a knockoff version of its famed ‘V’ logo.
Earlier in the year, streetwear brand Cloney had made a bootleg version of Valentino’s design, but with the word “vaccinated” in place of the usual brand name.
Pierpaolo Piccioli, the luxury house’s creative designer, had come across the hoodie on Instagram, and instead of going after the fake, he purchased all of the site’s remaining five hoodies.
After which, Cloney’s copycat became even more famous, with Piccioli posting a picture of himself donning the hoodie on Instagram, and gifting another to Lady Gaga. Now, Valentino is officially teaming up with Cloney to sell the design as an official garment.
According to Input, 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the hoodie—which costs US$750—will go towards UNICEF and the World Health Organization’s Covax program. This initiative helps supply COVID-19 vaccines to countries that don’t have much access to them.
In an interview with the New York Times, Piccioli explained why he ended up collaborating with the streetwear brand. He said: “I didn’t want to steal the idea—even though I wish I had it first.”
The designer explained that he was successful in convincing Cloney’s founder, Duke Christian George III, to “donate” the idea to Valentino.
The luxury brand is now manufacturing the garment in its factories, with the materials altered to match its hefty price tag. People won’t forget about Cloney either, with the brand’s tag included on the hoodie’s left sleeve.
“I can talk about ruffles and bows, but sometimes you have to use your voice to say what you really believe, and I believe it is our social responsibility to get vaccinated. It’s not a symbol of freedom to not be vaccinated. It’s a symbol of lack of respect for others,” said Piccioli.
Want to get your hands on the hoodie? Head over here to check it out.
Image via Valentino
[via Input, images via Valentino]
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