The report shows that Capri Holdings, which owns Versace, made a political contribution of $215,650 in the 2024 cycle while reporting no lobbying activities. Even though the amount might seem moderate, from an anti-fascist perspective this financial engagement represents a potential means to exert political influence, thereby contributing to corporate complicity in systems that risk fostering authoritarian influence.

Capri Holdings Profile: Summary • OpenSecrets

The report notes that many luxury brands score poorly in purchasing practices and supply chain transparency, failing to disclose risks and measures related to forced labour. This lack of due diligence in supply chain ethics contributes to high exploitation risks.

Luxury brands aren’t doing enough to eliminate forced labour, report says

Donatella Versace, as the creative director and public face of Versace, used her influential platform at an awards ceremony to condemn the anti-LGBTQ+ policies promoted by Italy’s far-right government. Her remarks not only champion the rights of marginalized communities but also directly challenge authoritarian policies, marking a significant act of executive political engagement.

Donatella Versace Blasts Italy's Anti-LGBTQ Policies

Donatella Versace, as a leading executive voice for the brand, took a clear and public stand against the Italian government's anti-LGBTQ+ policies. This action reflects strong public and political behavior by the company’s leadership, aligning the brand with progressive and inclusive values that counter authoritarian tendencies. Her speech, delivered at a high-profile event and widely reported, sets an example of corporate engagement that resists fascist practices.

Donatella Versace slams Italian government’s anti-LGBTQ+ policies

As a leading executive figure and creative director of the Versace brand, Donatella Versace’s engagement in a politically charged event underscores her role in executive political engagement. Her remarks, framed within a broader struggle for human rights and equality, signal a commitment to counter-dictatorial policies through personal influence and public activism.

Donatella Versace slams Italian government’s anti-gay policies from La Scala stage

Donatella Versace’s public address is a strong demonstration of executive political engagement that opposes authoritarian policies. By openly criticizing the government's restriction of LGBTQ rights and aligning her stance with progressive values, she positions the company’s leadership in opposition to regressive policies. This proactive engagement in advocating for civil rights and inclusion earns a high positive score on the Public and Political Behavior front, specifically under the Executive Political Engagement category.

As a key executive figure in the Versace fashion house, Donatella Versace’s engagement in publicly opposing regressive policies underscores strong executive political engagement against authoritarian measures. Her remarks lend significant influence to the anti-fascist stance being taken.

Donatella Versace speaks out against Italy's anti-LGBTQ policies

Donatella Versace, a leading executive figure at Versace, used her public platform to actively confront and denounce the Italian government's anti-LGBTQ+ policies. This bold stance against authoritarian measures and discrimination aligns strongly with anti-fascist and progressive values, highlighting a commitment to championing diversity, inclusivity, and human rights.

Donatella Versace Attacks Italian Government’s Anti-LGBTQ+ Policies at Milan Fashion Week

The article also highlights the role of corporate executives, specifically John D. Idol of Capri Holdings, in shaping political influence through personal contributions. His engagement in politically charged donations suggests an executive-level endorsement of policies that may support authoritarian governance, further complicating the brand’s alignment with democratic values.

Political Contributions: Fashion’s Heavy Hitters Support Candidates With Cash

The article details allegations of racial discrimination at Versace, including the use of coded racist language ('D410') intended to signal a customer's race and the subsequent unfair termination of a minority employee. This behavior indicates a serious neglect of labor rights and human dignity, contributing to an environment that can indirectly bolster authoritarian attitudes by undermining workplace equality and inclusion.

Versace accused of workplace racial discrimination

The complaint claims that the Bay Area Versace store employed a coded policy to exclude Black customers. This behavior is not only racially discriminatory but also exemplifies unethical business practices, reinforcing oppressive power dynamics that can underpin authoritarian and fascist ideologies. Such practices undermine efforts to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion, making them particularly concerning from an anti-fascist perspective.

Sampino v. Versace USA, Inc. Complaint

The article demonstrates how major fashion companies channel substantial resources into lobbying efforts to shape policies that favor their business interests, often at the expense of public welfare and democratic integrity. In a climate where corporate influence can buttress authoritarian tendencies, such practices reflect negatively on companies in the luxury fashion sector, including Versace, by undermining transparency and equitable policy-making.

Money Well Spent? Why Fashion Companies Spend Big on Lobbying Governments