Gucci criticised for putting turbans on white models

'Could you not find a brown model?'

Gucci’s ‘turban’ has come under fire for cultural appropriation (Rex) (Rex Features)

Gucci has been heavily criticised after the luxury fashion label sent white models down the runway wearing traditional Sikh turbans for its autumn/winter 2018 show.

Canadian actor and model Avan Jogia began the backlash, in a tweet saying: “could you not find a brown model?” alongside an image of a white male model wearing a blue turban.

His tweet quickly gained traction on the platform, with users responding by branding the Italian fashion label “offensive” and “irresponsible”.

“Yo.. @gucci ... I mess with you guys... but this isn't a good look for you,” the 32-year-old wrote.

“And please, other people of colour, this happens to ALL of us, say something even if it doesn't apply to you personally. I got you, if you got me,” he added in a subsequent tweet.

“My blood is boiling right now,” responded one of Jogia’s followers, who described creative director Alessandro Michele’s decision to incorporate turbans into his collection as cultural appropriation.

“As a Sikh, I see this as a huge sign of disrespect and disregard towards Sikhism. It isn’t hard to educate yourself on the significance of a turban.

“This isn’t a mere fashion accessory! Thank you Avan for speaking out on this.”

The same follower went on to post news clippings illustrating Sikhs being harassed and verbally abused for wearing turbans.

“We wear turbans and we are the bad guys, Gucci wears them and it’s fashion?? No,” they added.

It comes after a Sikh man had his turban ripped from his head in a racist attack while he was queueing outside Parliament in London on Thursday.

Traditionally in Sikhism, a turban is worn by both men and women as a symbol of piety, honour and spirituality.

Almost all of a person’s hair is typically concealed within the headgear, however, models’ hair could be seen tumbling out of the turbans at the Gucci show.

Are severed heads 'the next big thing'? (Rex Features)

Turbans were not the only talking point in Gucci's avant-garde fashion show, with some of those sent down the runway holding models of baby dragons and severed versions of their own heads.

The Independent has contacted Gucci for comment.