NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
New York, NYC, April 21, 2026: Fashion giant Ralph Lauren is facing social media backlash after a viral video by content creator Radha Patel questioned the pricing and cultural attribution of a skirt described as being inspired by India’s traditional Bandhani art.
The controversy began when Patel posted a video examining a cotton wrap skirt listed on the brand’s website, priced at close to $400. In the video, she raised concerns about both the cost and the way the product was presented, arguing that it appeared to draw from Bandhani—a centuries-old Indian tie-dye technique—without adequately crediting its origins.
Bandhani, practiced primarily in the western Indian states of Gujarat and Rajasthan, involves a labor-intensive process of hand-tying fabric before dyeing it to create intricate patterns. Critics on social media alleged that the Ralph Lauren skirt appeared to use a printed version of the design rather than the traditional handcrafted method, while still being marketed at a luxury price point.
The product description reportedly referenced “Bandhani-inspired” techniques, but users said it did not prominently highlight the Indian roots of the craft, sparking accusations of cultural appropriation. Several commentators also pointed to the lack of acknowledgment of artisans or traditional communities associated with the technique.
The debate quickly gained traction online, with users calling on global fashion brands to provide clearer attribution when drawing from traditional art forms. Many argued that while cultural inspiration is common in fashion, it should be accompanied by transparency and, where possible, collaboration with the communities that originated the craft.
The episode comes amid heightened scrutiny of luxury labels over their use of traditional designs from non-Western cultures. In recent weeks, Ralph Lauren had also faced criticism over accessories resembling traditional Indian jewelry that were not clearly labeled as such.
As of press time, Ralph Lauren had not issued a public statement addressing the controversy.
Cover photos courtesy: Ralph Lauren/Instagram.
