Ralph Lauren's Rs 44.8K Skirt Sparks Cultural Theft Debate

A luxury skirt sold by Ralph Lauren for Rs 44,800 has ignited controversy over alleged cultural appropriation and lack of credit to Indian artisans. The garment is described as a printed cotton wrap skirt with a design inspired by traditional Bandhani tie-dye techniques. Critics point out that the fabric is printed, not genuinely tie-dyed, and that authentic Bandhani fabric typically costs between Rs 200 to Rs 500 per meter in India.

This latest incident follows previous accusations against Ralph Lauren for similar practices, including presenting Indian jhumkas as "vintage accessories" without acknowledging their cultural origins. The fashion brand's history of drawing inspiration from South Asian heritage without due credit has led to widespread discussion on social media regarding intellectual property and cultural respect in the fashion industry.

Bandhani art, with roots tracing back to the Indus Valley Civilization, is a complex tie-dyeing technique. While Western brands are encouraged to find inspiration, the core issue lies in the failure to acknowledge and credit the heritage from which these designs originate, effectively claiming ownership of cultural traditions.