Is Dior Culturally Appropriating Indian Culture with RM140,000 Bangles?

The luxury fashion industry is apparently looking for their next target market as sales are slumping in America, Europe and China. It comes to a shock to some that a French brand like Christian Dior recently released an homage to the Indian bangle for the price from RM40,000 up to RM150,000. 

Is Dior Culturally Appropriating Indian Culture with RM140,000 Bangles?

TikToker @eapuppy125 shared her opinions about the whole ordeal. She states that the brand is selling these bracelets that look awfully similar to the bracelets popular in her culture for an inflated price. Furthermore, she implies that the price point for these bracelets are outrageous as in India, these styles can cost significantly less. 

Following that, another TikToker @shreyakolluri, states that the bracelets are in fact gorgeous. She adds that the brand did not credit the Indian/South Asian culture for being inspired to produce these bangles. She adds that she is unable to get over the cultural appropriation done by a brand of such caliber. 

Is it Dior or an independent South Asian Brand?

Additionally, both TikTokers discovered this through Instagram ads. They were unaware that it was a design by a French luxury brand and mistakenly believed it originated from a small artisanal South Asian brand.

The luxury fashion house has faced multiple criticisms this year. First, a Reuters article highlighted concerns over the manufacturing costs of their handbags. More recently, their latest Miss Dior collection has been heavily criticized by the fashion community on social media.

India, the next target for luxury brands

According to reports, India is the next destination for these luxury houses as they have opened multiple stores in the country’s major cities. Data shows that the country is home to over 300,000 millionaires. 

It is speculative to say that the French luxury brand created these designs in order to capture the Indian market. But, seemingly, there are some who are unhappy with it as their standard prices do not match on items that are readily available in India for a fraction of the cost.