MAC Pulls Rodarte Line, Places Global Profits Projections to Juarez
MAC cosmetics has pulled the Rodarte line and will be donating the worldwide projected profits from the campaign to help those from the town of Juarez, Mexico. The collection will not release.
A preview in July began a firestorm of protest against MAC for the items named after a line by designers Laura and Kate Mulleavy of Rodarte. It was the clothing from their Fall 2010 line that translated into an inspired makeup line. MAC translated the images from a road trip they had taken through Mexico and highlighted “Juarez” and “Factory” as cosmetic name options. As a town with tough living/working conditions with little law enforcement, every year women and children disappear or are found dead on the roads, to and from the factories where the majority work, it was for many considered in poor taste.
MAC has a long history of partnerships and charity and it is doubtful any negative connotation was meant with this line. Even so, it struck a raw chord with too many consumers. MAC remains a great brand and kudos for these plans that will satisfy all parties. Read the official statement below:
M·A·C Decides Not to Ship M·A·C Rodarte Makeup Collection Out of Respect for Women & Girls of Juárez and their Families
M·A·C and Rodarte are deeply and sincerely sorry and we apologize to everyone we offended. We have listened very closely to the feedback of concerned global citizens. We are doing our very best to right this wrong. The essence of M·A·C is to give back and care for the community and Rodarte is committed to using creativity for positive social change. We are grateful for the opportunity to use what we have learned to raise awareness on this important issue.
This decision will not impact M·A·C ‘s commitment to donate all of its projected profits from the collection to benefit the women and girls of Juarez.
Out of respect for the people of Mexico, the women and girls of Juarez and their families, as well as our M·A·C Mexican staff and colleagues, M·A·C has made the decision not to ship the M·A·C Rodarte limited edition makeup collection. This decision will have no impact on M·A·C’s commitment to donate all of its projected global profits from this collection to local and international groups that work to improve the lives of the women and girls of Juarez. We are currently conducting due diligence to ensure we donate to organizations with a proven record of directly supporting the women and girls of Juarez.
