Topshop forced to shut down ‘kuffiyeh’ playsuit line following backlash

British fashion retailer Topshop came under fire yesterday for selling a “festival-ready” romper that mimics the Palestinian kuffiyeh, forcing the multinational chain to remove the item from sale.

Calling it a “Scarf playsuit”, the item quickly drew accusations of cultural misappropriation of the scarf’s “history of hardship and bloodshed”.

https://twitter.com/basedruba/status/849128283610517505

“Get festival-ready with this cute playsuit in monochrome scarf print with knot tie neck detail,” the description of the £40 item read, before being removed from the website. “Team with sliders for perfect summer-cool.”

.@Topshop decided it would be ok to take a Palestinian keffiyeh- a very important cultural symbol- and make it a "scarf playsuit." NOPE. pic.twitter.com/oiGokzbzuz

— Dena Takruri (@Dena) April 4, 2017

The chequered scarf – known variously as a kuffiyeh, ghutra or shemagh depending on the Arab region of origin – is a traditional item of clothing worn mostly by Arab men. It also became the symbol of the Palestinian national struggle and is often worn as a sign of solidarity with Palestine.

Using the print in this manner has been received by many as an unwelcome misappropriation of the Palestinian culture, and undermining the Palestinian people’s struggle and resistance symbolised by the kuffiyeh by reducing it to a commercial fashion piece for profit.

Probably the worst cultural appropriation yet. @topshop are charging $75 for this "scarf playsuit", which is a Palestinian kuffiyeh print. pic.twitter.com/f7ZNFUQyMW

— Zab Mustefa (@ZabMustefa) April 4, 2017

https://twitter.com/raminnam/status/849516004313112576

https://twitter.com/AuliaReski_/status/849413820376371201