Fashion brand Louis Vuitton (LV) has reportedly pulled a keffiyeh-styled scarf from sale after being accused of cultural appropriation. The accessory, which LV described as “keffieh stole”, is made in blue and white – the colours of Israel – and includes the brand’s iconic logo. It costs a whopping $705.
The headdress was advertised as a “timeless accessory” that “creates an easy-going mood”. LV omitted the symbolism of the keffiyeh. After the item went viral, social media was inundated with negative comments, with users accusing the fashion brand of profiting off the "oppressed" Palestinians.
Other users accused LV of cultural appropriation.
Still others drew attention to the high price of the accessory.
However, there were those who said there was nothing wrong with LV’s product.
Louis Vuitton is not the only fashion brand that has drawn the ire of social media users. Fendi has also faced a barrage of criticism
A Palestinian-owned streetwear brand KUVRD has called for boycott of the fashion brand for what it said was commodification of Palestinians’ “national symbol of resistance”.
The development comes several weeks after the worst spike in violence in years between Israel and Gaza-based Hamas militants. As a result of the 11-day hostilities, more than 250 Palestinians were killed, including 100 women and children, while more than 2,000 were wounded. 13 people were killed in Israel in rocket strikes, including two women.