Gucci In Hot Water Again, Accused Of Cultural Appropriation For Selling $800 Turbans

Gucci In Hot Water Again, Accused Of Cultural Appropriation For Selling $800 Turbans

Apparently, the intense backlash that luxury brand Gucci faced earlier this year, wasn’t enough for the fashion house to not face yet another controversy. For the second time this year, Gucci is being called out for lacking racial sensitivity and cultural appropriation—after the brand recently debuted a collection of $800 turbans.

Gucci faced some backlash when the public got wind of a sweater the brand was selling that had a strong resemblance to blackface. This resulted in several celebrities in the black community to boycott the brand, including T.I., Spike Lee, Snoop Dogg and 50 Cent.

Gucci responded by implementing a cultural diversity initiative with help from legendary designer Dapper Dan. Dapper Dan then collaborated with Gucci to create a collection that multiple celebrities wore to this year’s Met Gala.

Previously making its debut at Gucci’s Fall 2018 runway show, a $790 “Indy Full Turban” was recently placed on Nordstrom’s website for sale—and that’s when the backlash over the product began. The Italian fashion house is being criticized for cultural appropriation and cultural insensitivity toward the Sikh culture, who are well-known to wear turbans.

In response to the turban backlash, the Sikh Coalition voiced its disappointment on social media toward Gucci and Nordstrom, tweeting:

“The Sikh turban is not a fashion accessory, but it’s also a sacred religious article of faith. We hope more can be done to recognize this critical context. #appropriation.”

 The Sikh Coalition also added:

“When companies appropriate articles of faith, they do not take into consideration the discrimination Sikhs face while adhering to the tenets of their faith. We appreciate @Nordstrom’s recognition of this problem & apology; we hope @Gucci will follow suit.”

At press time, the product still remains on Nordstrom’s website, although it is currently marked as “sold out.” Gucci has also not publicly responded to the backlash about the turban.

What are your thoughts on Gucci being accused of cultural appropriation? Let us know in the comments!