Louis Vuitton Accused of Cultural Appropriation Over $705 Scarf Inspired by the Palestinian Keffiyeh

Luxury brand Louis Vuitton received a lot of backlash over a $705 scarf they had available.

According to Yahoo, the high-end store was selling a $705 scarf described as “inspired by the classic Keffiyeh and enriched with House signatures” on its website.

“A jacquard weave technique is used to create the intricate Monogram patterns on its base of blended cotton, wool, and silk. Soft and lightweight with fringed edges, this timeless accessory creates an easygoing mood,” the product’s description continues.

But many have come forward to accuse LV of “profiting off oppressed people” and failing to see the scarf as a symbol of Palestinian nationalism.

One person tweeted: “It is so disrespectful to sell the symbol of Palestinian culture, the keffiyeh, for a ridiculous amount of $705, without acknowledging that it belongs to Palestinian culture. At least acknowledge the Palestinian people and their struggle. Talk about appropriation.”

And another user wrote: “Louis Vuitton says they are politically neutral yet they are getting profits from the sale of this $705 keffiyeh inspired scarf usually worn by the Arabs and a symbol of Palestinian nationalism. And the colour, is that some form of passive political commentary?”

Critics also questioned the brand for using blue and white colors, which could have been intentionally used since they are the colors of Israel’s flag. Many say the company was “tone-deaf,” especially given the high tension and violence between Israelis and Palestinians in Jerusalem. Two weeks of violent conflict have left at least 250 people dead, most of them Palestinians.

The scarf has since been removed from the company’s website following the mounting controversy.