Gucci is facing cultural appropriation criticism once again. Despite first receiving criticism for debuting their "Full Indy Turban" on a white model during Milan Fashion Week 2018, the luxury fashion brand put the controversial product up for sale on Nordstrom for $790 recently. Understandably, a lot of people aren't happy.
Twitter users have directly criticized Gucci for their use of white models sporting the Sikh turban, which traditionally has a religious significance. The listing on Nordstrom's website described the piece as a "gorgeously crafted turban," although it is now supposedly sold-out.
The Sikh Coalition responded to Nordstrom selling the Turban, sharing a statement with NBC News. "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 explained.
Earlier this year, Gucci faced controversy over their "Balaclava" sweater, which resembled blackface. They quickly pulled the sweater from sale and apologized but not before numerous celebrities rallied around a boycott. Gucci CEO Marco Bizzarri pledged to institute a number of initiatives to help with cultural awareness at the company, the first of which included a $5 million allocation toward non-profit programs across the United States committed to uplifting communities of color.
They also established a $20,000 scholarship program in hopes of boosting diversity among those hoping to pursue a fashion education. Recently, brand executives gathered for a meeting ahead of the Met Gala to discuss the situation. Bizzarri, who is Italian, previously placed the blame for the situation entirely on himself, explaining that he "didn't know about blackface."
