The newest mainstream fashion label to find itself under fire is Gucci for their use of turbans as a fashion accessory on white models during their most recent show for Milan Fashion Week.
The Sikh dastaar, commonly referred to as a pagh or turban, is an important part of our culture. It is our crown that represents our faith, courage, and honour. It is not a fashion accessory. It is an important part of our identity.
Sikhs have been discriminated against for their turbans for years, especially, in a world after 9/11. We wear a pagh and get called a terrorist, and a luxury fashion brand puts it on a white model in a runway show and suddenly it’s trendy?
Really, Gucci? I expected better. We expect better.
Canadian actor, Avan Jogia called out Gucci for their actions in a tweet, asking them if they couldn’t find a brown model.
Yo.. @gucci … I mess with you guys… but this isn't a good look for you… could you not find a brown model? pic.twitter.com/INqxwrfB0t
— Avan Jogia (@AvanJogia) February 22, 2018
And our friend Harjas Singh from Canada also spoke about Gucci’s horrendous choice and it definitely made a statement.
• Waris Ahluwalia: @HouseofWaris
• Harjas Singh: @styledbyHarj
• Vish Singh: @IamVish_
• Jujhar Dhanjal: @jujharsdhanjal
• Onkar Dhindsa: @osdhindsa
And don’t worry, we have plenty of boss women on this list as well!
• Ishprit: @ishprit
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• Ishaan: @kaurmoments
• Karan Kaur: @stylewithkaur
• Harnaam Kaur: @harnaamkaur
Our turbans are an important part of our Sikh culture and taking them and putting them on a white model isn’t respect, it’s cultural appropriation. So, next time, Gucci, if you want to showcase our culture, showcase our talent too.