Ralph Lauren recently issued an apology following accusations by Mexico’s First Lady, Beatriz Gutierrez, that the US fashion house had plagiarized Indigenous designs. Gutierrez took to Instagram to call out Ralph Lauren, claiming that the brand had copied designs from the Mexican communities of Contla and Saltillo. She emphasized that plagiarism is both illegal and immoral. In response, Ralph Lauren expressed deep regret and a willingness to engage in dialogue on how they can improve their practices.
This incident is not the first time Mexico has raised concerns about foreign designers appropriating motifs, embroidery, and colors from its Indigenous communities. The country has previously lodged complaints against major clothing brands such as Zara, Mango, and SHEIN. Mexico remains dedicated to protecting its rich cultural heritage and ensuring that the original communities are acknowledged and compensated for their work.
The controversy surrounding Ralph Lauren arose when Gutierrez posted a picture on Instagram, showcasing a Ralph Lauren jacket with a label that featured designs resembling those of the Contla and Saltillo communities. Gutierrez called on Ralph Lauren to recognize the plagiarism and urged them to compensate the original communities for their contributions. As a journalist and writer herself, Gutierrez highlighted that these communities create their designs out of love and not solely for financial gain.
Ralph Lauren expressed surprise over the product being sold and claimed to have issued a directive months ago to remove it from all channels as soon as they became aware of its inclusion in their product pipeline. The brand reassured its commitment to rectifying the situation and ensuring that similar instances do not occur in the future.
Mexico has a successful track record in securing apologies from international fashion brands for cultural appropriation and plagiarism. In 2020, French designer Isabel Marant apologized to Mexico for using traditional patterns from an Indigenous community without permission. Such efforts by the country to hold designers accountable serve as an example to others in the fashion industry.
The controversy surrounding Ralph Lauren’s alleged plagiarism brings to light the significance of respecting and valuing cultural heritage. It serves as a reminder to fashion brands to conduct thorough research and seek permission when incorporating elements from different cultures into their designs. Open dialogue and collaboration with Indigenous communities are essential in ensuring a respectful and ethical approach to fashion.
Ralph Lauren’s apology demonstrates a willingness to learn from the situation and improve their practices. It is a step in the right direction towards promoting cultural diversity and inclusivity in the fashion industry. Moving forward, it is crucial for brands to engage in ongoing discussions and partnerships with Indigenous communities to ensure that their contributions are recognized and valued appropriately.
Useful links:
1. Cultural Survival: A nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Indigenous peoples’ rights and cultural autonomy worldwide.
2. United Nations: Indigenous Peoples: A section of the United Nations website that provides information on Indigenous peoples’ rights, culture, and development.
