Share

Tweet

Share

Share

Email

Comments

 

Jay-Z has been in the news lately because of his association with Barney’s Department store. Barney’s has been in the news because of a racial profiling incident that involved a young African American male. The African American community wants boycott the retailer but a few days ago Jay Z announced that he will be continuing with his holiday line despite the controversial. It was announced today that Barney’s has canceled the kickoff party

The cancellation comes amid controversy over Jay Z’s collaboration with Barneys and alleged allegations of racial profiling against the retailer, as well as against Macy’s Inc.

On Friday, both Barneys and Jay Z stressed their commitment to BNY SCC Gallery and Collection, which launches Wednesday, and they plan to donate 100 percent of all sales from the BNY SCC Collection to the Shawn Carter Foundation, which provides educational opportunities to young people facing socioeconomic hardship. Among the participating labels are Lanvin, Balenciaga, Balmain, Proenza Schouler, Rick Owens and Moncler, which all worked with Jay Z on custom creations. Barneys also plans to donate 10 percent of all of Wednesday’s retail sales at its flagships in New York, Beverly Hills, San Francisco, Boston and Chicago, as well as on barneys.com, to the foundation, with a guarantee of raising at least $1 million for the foundation.

Last month, as reported, Jay Z drew criticism for collaborating with the retailer after two black customers were detained by the New York Police Department after making purchases at the store. New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has also begun an investigation into alleged racial profiling at Barneys and Macy’s.

Jay Z said he was going forward with the collection, under the condition that he be given a leadership role and seat on a council specifically convened to deal with the issue of racial profiling.

Read More WWD.com