Fendi’s $10,000 Navratri-style bag sparks debate over Indian fashion credit
Fendi is facing backlash for selling a high-end bag that closely resembles traditional Indian Navratri-style embroidery without providing credit or context. Critics argue this constitutes cultural appropriation and the commodification of indigenous craft at an extreme price markup.
Why it matters
The incident fuels the ongoing global debate regarding cultural appropriation, intellectual property rights for traditional crafts, and the ethics of luxury fashion branding.
India is a melting pot of cultures and the statement has held true for as long as the country has existed. From clothes to spices and even festivals, there is nothing the country has not shared with others across the globe. But cultural exchange and appropriation are different. And what has been happening recently with India's culture and the global fashion industry is an event that must not go unnoticed, not when the country's heritage and fashion have been repeatedly used by high-fashion global brands without proper crediting.Currently, the case in point and viral online is Fendi's new baguette. Launched on its website, the bag has 475 mirrors, bright embroidery and 39,500 beads scattered across the surface, completed with 138 hours of craftsmanship.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in