Fendi Faces Backlash Over $10,000 Bag Resembling Indian Craft
· Business · Times of India, News18
Fendi is facing accusations of cultural appropriation for selling a 'Baguette 26424' bag that critics say mimics traditional Indian embroidery and mirror work from Gujarat. The luxury item, priced at approximately $10,000 or ₹9.5 lakh, features 475 mirrors and 39,500 beads, requiring 138 hours of labor. Prominent figures including RPG Enterprises chairman Harsh Goenka and Biocon founder Kiran Mazumdar Shaw have criticized the Italian brand for failing to credit Indian artisans. Critics argue the design resembles items available in Indian markets for as little as ₹500. The brand's website lists the product without referencing its source of inspiration or the cultural origin of the craft.
Why it matters
The controversy highlights growing demands for global luxury brands to provide proper attribution and financial recognition to the traditional artisans whose heritage designs they commercialize.
Read the original report — Times of India
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