Sézane (Paris)

French fashion brand Sézane launched a series of "Boho-Chic Parisian" drops, featuring garments described as "Parisian boho essentials." These collections, sold at a premium price point, included designs strikingly similar to traditional Indian textile arts, yet were marketed without any acknowledgment of their origins. The brand presented these items as original creations, integrating them into its signature aesthetic.

Sanganeri is a traditional hand-block printing technique originating from Sanganer, Rajasthan, India. It is characterized by delicate floral patterns and intricate detailing, often using natural dyes. Chikankari is a delicate and artfully done traditional embroidery style from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. It involves various types of stitches to create intricate patterns, traditionally on fine cotton or muslin. Both crafts are deeply rooted in their respective regions, representing generations of artisanal skill and cultural heritage, often passed down through families and communities.

The appropriation was called out by observers who noted the identical nature of Sézane's designs to Sanganeri block prints and Chikankari embroidery. Critics highlighted the lack of credit given to the Indian weaver clusters and artisans who are the originators and custodians of these traditional crafts. The public discourse centered on the ethical implications of a global brand profiting from culturally significant designs without acknowledging their source, raising concerns about cultural appropriation and the exploitation of traditional knowledge.