Model Ayesha Tan Jones made use of the Gucci runway to silently protest with their palms inked with the words "MENTAL HEALTH IS NOT FASHION". They took to Instagram to speak up about the protest and said that "outfits alluding to mental patients, while being rolled out on a conveyor belt as if a piece of factory meat … is vulgar, unimaginative and offensive to the millions of people around the world affected by these issues." The outfit in question was depicted in a picture earlier shared by Gucci that many people thought made fun of mental health patients. Gucci 'Blackface' Balaclava Sweater Withdrawn After Internet Backlash, Company Issues Apology. 

The activist and model identifies as non-binary and used Gucci runway as a platform to raise their voice in the most peaceful way. In response to the imagery of Gucci's Milan Fashion Week show that featured still model in white straitjackets and sandals atop a conveyor belt, Tan Jones chose to protest in the most non-chaotic way. They showed us that you don't need to be loud to make yourself heard.

Tan Jones thanked the supporters on Instagram via a post that consisted of their picture from the runway. Their post read, " I just want to say Thank You for all the support so many of you have given me since I lifted my hands in peaceful protest on the Gucci Runway show yesterday". In the video, they shared on Instagram, Tan Jones can be seen walking with their palms flashing their statement. They captioned the video with: "STATEMENT for my protest of the @gucci show ✊🏽 MENTAL HEALTH IS NOT FASHION"

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STATEMENT for my protest of the @gucci show ✊🏽 MENTAL HEALTH IS NOT FASHION

A post shared by YaYa Bones (@ayeshatanjones) on

Here's Another Picture of Tan Jones Protesting:

 

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A post shared by YaYa Bones (@ayeshatanjones) on

Here's The Picture in Question Shared By Gucci:

Gucci has even previously faced backlash in February for "blackface" fashion, and in May when they sold $790 "Indy Full Turban" online. Tan Jones further said in their post: I want to use this opportunity to remind people that this sort of bravery, is only a simple gesture compared to the bravery that people with mental health issues show everyday. To have the bravery to get out of bed, to greet the day, and to live their lives is an act of strength, and I want to thank you for being here and being YOU!" No formal response has yet come from Gucci.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 25, 2019 09:09 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).