India, Sept. 16 -- A $10,000 ( Rs.9.59 lakh) bag by Italian brand Fendi has sparked a social media debate around Western brands using Indian crafts and techniques without giving due credit. The bag's multi-coloured embroidery, mirror-work and beads are reminiscent of India's Gujarati and Rajasthani craft. Being dubbed the 'Navratri bag' online, Fendi's website describes it as the Baguette 26424 Multicolour Re-Edition. Made In Italy, it is embroidered with 39,500 beads and 475 mirrors, and taken over 138 hours of craftsmanship.

Social media users in India, including noted names like industrialist Harsh Goenka and philanthropist Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, have raised questions around cultural appropriation.

An Instagram post by fashion watchdog...