We don’t know about you, but turban is not only associated with a particular culture but a piece of headgear considered not to be pricey. Gucci seemed to ignore this fact, causing Twitter users to call out the luxury fashion label.
The brand’s blue turban which was showcased during its fall 2018 show is currently displayed on Nordstrom with the price tag of $790, and according to Twitter user @SinghLions, it is not a hot new accessory for its white models, adding that the turban should be seen as “an article of faith for practicing Sikhs.”
“Dear @gucci, the Sikh Turban is not a hot new accessory for white models but an article of faith for practicing Sikhs,” SinghLions posted on Twitter. “Your models have used Turbans as ‘hats’ whereas practicing Sikhs tie them neatly fold-by-fold. Using fake Sikhs/Turbans is worse than selling fake Gucci products.”
Dear @gucci, the Sikh Turban is not a hot new accessory for white models but an article of faith for practising Sikhs. Your models have used Turbans as ‘hats’ whereas practising Sikhs tie them neatly fold-by-fold. Using fake Sikhs/Turbans is worse than selling fake Gucci products pic.twitter.com/sOaKgNmgwR
— Harjinder Singh Kukreja (@SinghLions) May 16, 2019
As per Elle report, a New York-based Sikh Coalition came into the support of the Twitter user, affirming that Turban is truly a religious article of faith that millions of Sikhs view as sacred. The civil rights organization also cited Gucci’s act as cultural appropriation inappropriate.
“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 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. pic.twitter.com/fldmxa3Wvr
— Sikh Coalition (@sikh_coalition) May 14, 2019
Although there isn’t any statement from the brand yet, this isn’t the first time Gucci is facing a backlash. Just a few months ago, the Italian label was called out for racism where many viewed its black balaclava sweater as a miniature of blackface imagery.
