People are angry with Gucci over $800 ‘Indy Turban’ and they’re calling it cultural appropriation

Gucci came under fire for cultural appropriation after it unveiled a new fashion piece – a $790 (£615) headpiece called the ‘Indy Full Turban.’

Critics, in particular Sikhs, are calling out the Italian fashion house for creating a fashion accessory that has religious importance.

Described as a "gorgeously crafted turban ready to turn heads while keeping you in comfort as well as trademark style," the "royal" blue turban comes in one size.

The Sikh Coalition, a community-based human rights organisation, condemned the decision to use a “sacred religious article of faith” as a “fashion accessory.”

(Picture: Nordstroms screengrab)

“The Sikh turban is not just a fashion accessory, but it’s also a sacred religious article of faith,” they tweeted. “We hope more can be done to recognise this critical context. #Appropriation.”

Sikh philanthropist Harjinder Singh Kukreja added:

Dear @gucci, the Sikh Truban 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.

Another Twitter user echoed their sentiments: "I honestly feel this is Disrespectful to The Sikh faith. Gucci please respect the sikh culture."

Others were similarly irate from the perceived cultural appropriation

It's 'trivialising' an important part of Sikh religion

And were doubly offended by the fact that the Turban was called 'indy' - perhaps a shortened version of the word 'Indian'?

People are calling on Gucci to apologise and remove the fashion accessory

And accuse it of making a mockery of a faith article

What is the Sikh turban?

The turban’s real name is the Dastaar, and it is a piece of headwear worn by many Sikh men, and women.

The wearing of the Dastaar, which represents honour, self-respect and spiritual piety, is worn by people of the Sikh faith, who observe the Five Ks (five items that Guru Gobind Singh instructed Sikhs wear at all times).

It is specially wrapped to cover a person’s long, uncut hair (kesh) and is an important of their identity.

This isn't the first time Gucci has come under fire for its fashion decisions...

In February it was forced to remove a £690 balaclava top after it was accused of ‘blackface.’

People noticed the black knit jumper with a red balaclava looked suspiciously similar to how white people in racist minstrel shows wore blackface in the 19^th century.

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