The curious case of Fendi’s ₹9.59 lakh mirror-work bag

Fendi’s ₹9.59 lakh ‘Navratri bag’ has sparked questions over who gets credit when global luxury brands draw from Indian craft traditions.

A $10,000 ( ₹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.

Fendi’s ₹9.59 lakh ‘Navratri bag’ has drawn criticism over its resemblance to Indian craft

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

How the Internet reacted

An Instagram post by fashion watchdog Diet Paratha mentioned that both the 1995 iteration and the current design of the mirrored bags were created by Indian artisans at the Chanakya School of Craft, Mumbai. “If Indian craftsmanship is an integral part of the product’s story, shouldn’t Fendi be telling that story more visibly... Proper attribution needs to come directly from global luxury houses,” a user questioned.

Another wrote, “Brands these days are purposely launching rage bait designs.” A third added, “Everyone has to steal something from India but hesitate when it comes to giving credit.”

We reached out to Chanakya School of Craft, but did not receive a response till the time of going to press.