Luxury brand Louis Vuitton this week pulled a $705 scarf from its online store over backlash on social media due to its design, NBC reported.
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The "Louis Vuitton Monogram Keffieh Stole" bears a distinct likeness to the keffiyeh – a popular garment in the Arab world that, in some circles, is viewed as a symbol of Palestinian nationalism. The design sparked rage with some accusing the brand of cultural appropriation.
For some on social media, Louis Vuitton added insult to injury by featuring the item in none other than blue and white – the colors of the Israeli flag.
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Louis Vuitton described "The Monogram Keffieh Stole" as being "inspired by the classic Keffieh and enriched with House signatures," saying it was made with a "jacquard weave technique is used to create the intricate Monogram patterns on its base of blended cotton, wool, and silk."
NBC cited Diet Prada, a watchdog blog that describes itself as "disrupting the fashion industry," which questioned the timing of the product's marketing – just two weeks after the latest round of hostilities between Israel and Gaza-Strip based terrorist groups.
The blog observed: "So LVMH's stance on politics is 'neutral,' but they're still making a $705 logo-emblazoned keffiyeh, which is a traditional Arab headdress that's become a symbol of Palestinian nationalism. Hmmm…"
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