Gucci has yet again sparked criticism over its controversial “Indy Full Turban” headpiece after it was recently put up for sale on the Nordstrom website.
The item first received criticism for cultural appropriation when it was worn by white models during the Milan Fashion Week 2018.
Traditionally worn with a religious significance, Nordstrom is now selling the Sikh turban for $790. Described as a “gorgeously crafted turban” on Nordstrom’s website, the item is now supposedly sold-out and has been renamed as a “Full Head Wrap.”
Netizens have taken to Twitter to express their outrage toward Gucci, mainly for their use of white models to sell the product, reports the Washington Post.
Sikh restaurateur and social media influencer Harjinder Singh Kukreja directed his criticisms on the fashion brand’s treatment of a religious article.
“Dear @gucci, 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,” he wrote.
The Sikh Coalition condemned the Nordstrom sale via a tweet.
“The turban is not just a fashion accessory to monetize, but a religious article of faith that millions of Sikhs around the world view as sacred,” the Coalition noted.
Gucci has yet to comment on the controversy.
Featured image via Nordstrom
