Biocon founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has criticised luxury fashion brand Fendi over a colourful beaded bag that has sparked a social media debate over its resemblance to traditional Indian designs.
The bag, priced at around Rs 8.3 lakh, features thousands of beads and mirrors and has been described by Fendi as a hand-embroidered piece. Social media users have compared its multicoloured design with bags commonly seen in Indian markets, particularly during Navratri.
The product has also drawn criticism from RPG Group chairman Harsh Goenka, who questioned whether Indian craftsmanship had received adequate recognition.
Harsh Goenka Questions Fendi Design
Goenka shared a picture of the Fendi bag on X and compared it with inexpensive multicoloured bags sold in Indian markets.
Referring to the earlier controversy involving Prada and Kolhapuri-style footwear, Goenka questioned why luxury brands were selling designs that resemble traditional Indian crafts without adequately crediting the artisans and traditions associated with them.
His post triggered further discussion online about cultural ownership, pricing and recognition of traditional craftsmanship.
What Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw Said
Reacting to Goenka’s post, Mazumdar-Shaw described the issue as one of cultural appropriation.
“This is a case of cultural appropriation & not in good taste. Repackaging India’s traditional craft as luxury, without credit to the artisans who created and preserved it, undermines our authentic talent and heritage,” she wrote.
She added: “Indian craftsmanship deserves recognition, not imitation.”
Her comments added to the online debate over whether traditional Indian design elements should receive cultural attribution when incorporated into high-end international fashion.
Why Fendi’s Bag Sparked Controversy
Fendi lists the product as the “Baguette 26424: Multicolour Re Edition bag with embroidery and mirrors.”
According to the product description cited in the report, the bag is entirely embroidered by hand and features a combination of textures and shades, including 39,500 beads and 475 mirrors.
Fendi says the craftsmanship requires more than 138 hours of work.
The bag is part of the luxury brand’s Fall/Winter 2026-27 collection. Its appearance and price have prompted some social media users to compare it with colourful bags available in Indian markets at much lower prices.
The term “Navratri bag” has been used by social media users and is not presented as Fendi’s official name for the product.
Social Media Reacts To Fendi Bag
The debate has generated a range of reactions online.
Some users questioned whether the bag would command the same price without the Fendi branding, while others argued that the controversy could highlight the commercial potential of similar Indian craftsmanship.
Another section of users supported the criticism over cultural credit while distinguishing it from the question of pricing, arguing that recognition should be given to the traditions and artisans associated with the design.
The Mumbai Connection
Despite the controversy over the design, the bag reportedly has a direct Indian connection.
According to a report by The Statesman cited by Hindustan Times, the Fendi bag was handmade in Mumbai at a workshop called Chanakya.
The reported Mumbai connection adds another dimension to the debate. While the craftsmanship was carried out in India, critics have questioned whether the cultural context and traditional inspiration behind the design have been adequately acknowledged on Fendi’s official product description.
The controversy therefore goes beyond the bag’s price, raising broader questions about how global luxury brands credit, collaborate with and represent traditional craftsmanship.
