Dolce & Gabbana Sells 'Slave Sandals' On Its Website

You’d think they’d have learned their lesson by now.

From using exploitative earrings depicting African women to Asian catwalk models representing “tourists who have just arrived in Italy,” Dolce & Gabbana is no stranger to criticisms of racism.

The Italian brand has come under fire yet again this week, this time over a “Slave Sandal.”

The “Slave Sandal in Napa Leather with Pompoms” recently became available for pre-order on the Dolce & Gabbana website for $2,395. The brand features the sandals in its spring 2016 collection, which it describes as “a declaration of love to Italy.”

“Slave” was once a common name for lace-up sandals, according to the shoe magazine Footwear News. The term “gladiator,” however, has largely replaced that term in fashion circles.

Social media erupted this week with shock and horror at Dolce & Gabbana’s choice of shoe moniker.

It seems the brand noticed the controversy. As of early Friday, the website’s description of the sandals has changed significantly.

It now refers to the shoes as the “Decorative Flat Sandal.”