India, May 19 -- In April 2026, Ralph Lauren launched a Rs.44,800 ($530) 'Print Cotton Wrap Skirt', describing it as being inspired by traditional Bandhani tie-dye techniques. Critics across India and the world accused the American brand of cultural appropriation for not mentioning India, Gujarat or Rajasthan, the regions where the centuries-old craft originates, or crediting the artisan communities behind it. Many also pointed out that the skirt appeared machine-printed rather than hand-tie-dyed, reigniting conversations around luxury brands profiting from traditional crafts without proper recognition.

During the Met Gala 2026 week in New York, filmmaker Karan Johar stepped out in Aomi's hand-beaded Bandhani trench coat, a contemporary ...