Biocon chairperson and entrepreneur Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has sparked a fresh debate over cultural appropriation after questioning luxury fashion house Fendi’s latest colourful handbag, which has drawn comparisons with traditional Indian bags commonly seen during Navratri festivities.
The handbag, reportedly priced at around ₹8.3 lakh, features an elaborate multicoloured design incorporating 39,500 beads and 475 mirrors and took approximately 138 hours of craftsmanship to create, according to reports.
Reacting on X, Mazumdar-Shaw described the development as a case of “cultural appropriation”, pointing to the striking resemblance between the luxury accessory and inexpensive colourful bags traditionally available in Indian markets. She also questioned the absence of credit to Indian artisans whose craft traditions have long featured similar beadwork, mirrors and vibrant designs.
Her comments have triggered widespread discussion online about the recognition and commercial value of Indian craftsmanship. The controversy comes amid a broader conversation around global fashion brands drawing inspiration from Indian cultural and traditional designs without sufficiently acknowledging their origins.
The debate has once again raised questions about how international luxury brands can collaborate with, credit and create opportunities for the artisans and communities behind the traditional techniques that inspire contemporary fashion.
