Global Outrage: Sikh Turbans on the International Fashion Week, pride or harassment?

Causing a worldwide outrage, Luxury Brand GUCCI used turbans in a recent runway show, saying the fashion brand has culturally appropriated their religious headpiece. A host of models wore turbans in Gucci's show on Wednesday as part of Milan fashion week. While some took it as "turban going international", majority took it as an offense by the luxury brand as the article of faith is 'not just another headgear' for a random model walking the fashion runway.

The Sikh turban is a sacred article of faith, @gucci, not a mere fashion accessory. #appropriation We are available for further education and consultation if you are looking for observant Sikh models.https://t.co/jv3E73UOH3 — Sikh Coalition (@sikh_coalition) February 23, 2018

The question here arises, will using Turban on an international runway detriment the prestige of the article and the Sikh Community, or is it bringing more encouragement, faith and acceptance among people internationally? International, the Sikh Community faces immense pressure and hate crime due to their distinguished identity, while some are forced to get rid of the prestigious turban due to peer pressure, others are looked at as aliens in the global scenario. And not going too far, this week a turbaned man was a victim to hate crime in the UK.

sikh boys come home crying to their parents after being bullied at school saying they want to cut their hair + take their turban off. OH BUT NOW IT'S FARSHUN DARLING @gucci

— Sohan Judge (@SohanJudge) February 22, 2018

The attempt made by the Luxury brand- GUCCI to put Turbans on European Models could be a plan to creative, innovative head gears that will be seen worldwide. However, the disgust expressed by Sikhs, majorly in India and the USA was beyond thought.

You ruined our own culture for us across borders by targeting members of our community because of their turbans - so when you turn what victimizes us and puts us at the receiving end of hatred and harm into a 'fashion statement', it is not okay. It will NEVER be okay. — Sukhnidh (@skhndh) February 22, 2018

Another question that takes a complete turn to the story is - If they wanted to show Turban as a "global pride" why would they not use a Sikh Model? Here's what Twitter had to say,

Dear @gucci, the Sikh Turban is not a hot new accessory for white models but an article of faith for practising Sikhs. Your models have used Turbans as ‘hats’ whereas practising Sikhs tie them neatly fold-by-fold. Using fake Sikhs/Turbans is worse than selling fake Gucci products pic.twitter.com/gCzKPd9LGd — Harjinder Singh Kukreja (@SinghLions) February 22, 2018

For us Sikhs, turbans are our pride. It’s a reminder of our faith, strength, equality, unity. To reduce that down to a “fashion statement” is beyond ignorant. My Sikh brothers & sisters are HARASSED simply bc they wear turbans. But clearly @gucci doesn’t know what that feels like https://t.co/zHgYz8MYuv — jaz (@desiavan) February 22, 2018

I can't understand your logic... You have turban days in New York and proudly create awareness of Sikh turban by tying turbans. What is wrong with models wearing it. I think they are sporting it in good spirit. @gucci please ignore this guy — MS (@thewrysingh) February 22, 2018

When a common man wears the article of faith, he is abused, hurt physically and mentally in places like the UK, Australia and the USA, he is made the point of target for many, but when the same article is worn on an international runway it becomes a style statement, the irony is depressing. The other side of the coin is - As the youth follows a brand like GUCCI, it makes the Sikh Turban more acceptable and renowned international in the name of fashion statement. Controversial is the fact that a hijab and a Sikh turban worn together by a random model, the thought in it self is questionable why would the act not be? -Written and Edited by Nimrat Kaur for PTC News