Gucci Sells Turbans for Rs 56,000, Enraged Sikhs Accuses Fashion Brand of Cultural Appropriation

Luxury fashion brand Gucci is being criticised for selling Sikh turbans at department store Nordstrom. The Italian brand has been accused of cultural appropriation for selling pagdi, Sikh's article of faith for a whopping USD 800 (Rs 56,000). The brand has in the past also received flak for using turbans as a 'fashion accessory' during the Milan Fashion Week. Gucci at 'The Milan Fashion Week': Cultural Appropriation of Religious Symbols from India, While The Debate is Missing.

As Gucci continued to grab eyeballs on social media,  New York-based Sikh Coalition tweeted saying, "The turban is not just an accessory to monetize; it's a religious article of faith that millions of Sikhs view as sacred. Many find this cultural appropriation inappropriate, since those wearing the turban just for fashion will not appreciate its deep religious significance." The website explains the product as, "A gorgeously crafted turban is ready to turn heads while keeping you in comfort as well as trademark style."

Check out of the tweet below:

Sikh restauranteur and influencer, Harjinder Singh Kukreja also criticised Gucci by tweeting, "Dear Gucci, the Sikh Turban is not a hot new accessory."

The turban is a religious garment worn among male Sikhs and also some female Sikhs. Labelled as an 'Indy Full Turban' turban is currently out of stock on Nordstrom's website. Ravinder Singh, the Founder of Khalsa Aid also took to Twitter criticising Gucci for its controversial products. Fashion brands like Prada and Chanel, have also faced criticism for cultural appropriation in the past.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 16, 2019 07:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).