Gucci is facing backlash for selling several pricey designer turbans, with people accusing the luxury fashion brand of cultural appropriation. One turban, in particular, called ‘Indy Full Turban’, has caught the attention of Twitter users both for its high price and the fact that it even exists at all. On Thursday morning, It was announced that it was pulling the turban from its website and stores and apologized to those who were offended. Members of the Sikh community have zeroed in once again on the turbans after Twitter users posted screenshots of its available on Nordstrom’s website.
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. Sikh restaurateur, influencer and philanthropist Harjinder Singh Kukreja, who boasts more than 1.5 million followers on Twitter, explained why he and others were so upset by the item.
The Sikh Turban is not a hot new accessory for white models but an article of faith for practicing Sikhs. 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.” Gucci didn’t even bother to figure out what a dastaar (turban) means to Sikhs. The brand didn’t consider the history behind it. The turban is one of the most important and symbolic articles of faith for Sikhs. While Gucci has yet to comment on the controversy, Nordstrom tweeted an apology and announced that it would no longer sell the turban.
