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Gucci's $1000 turban sparks cultural appropriation row

Gucci runway show Paris fashion week, model wearing turban Photo: Getty
People aren't happy about Gucci using the Sikh turban as a fashion accessory. Photo: Getty

Gucci is in hot water for selling a turban as a fashion accessory.

The turban, from the luxury fashion house’s SS18 collection, was being sold for $790 ($1,150 AUD) by US department store, Nordstrom, and has since sold out online.

The turban is a religious garment common among male Sikhs and, more recently, some female Sikhs. It is also worn by some Shia Muslims.

As such, turban wearers have hit out at the luxury fashion house, accusing them of cultural appropriation for capitalising on the religious garment.

“Dear Gucci, the Sikh Turban is not a hot new accessory,” Sikh restauranteur and influencer, Harjinder Singh Kukreja, hit out on Twitter.

He also pointed out a blatant error in how the garment was being worn by the models.

Others have also weighed in, citing the weighty history behind the turban and calling it “blasphemy” to wear them as a fashion garment.

But not all turban wearers are outraged.

Others are taking a more lighthearted approach and mocking the ridiculous price of the Gucci look, when religious turbans cost just a fraction of this price.

Earlier this year, Gucci faced heavy criticism for selling a “blackface” balaclava jumper, which was widely said to resemble the racist trope.

But it isn’t the only fashion brand accused of cultural insensitivity.

Katy Perry also faced controversy for selling ‘blackface’ shoes as part of her Katy Perry Collections line.

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