**Dior Faces Criticism for Not Crediting Indian Artisans in Luxury Coat**
**Meta Description:** Edelweiss Chief Radhika Gupta criticizes Dior for not crediting Indian artisans behind a luxury coat featuring traditional Lucknowi mukaish embroidery.
**URL Slug:** dior-indian-artisans-criticism
**Dior Faces Backlash for Ignoring Indian Craftsmanship in Luxury Fashion**
In a recent controversy, Edelweiss Chief Radhika Gupta has called out French fashion brand Dior for failing to acknowledge the Indian artisans who contributed to a luxury coat valued at ₹1.73 crore (approximately $200,000). The coat, showcased during Paris Fashion Week in June as part of Dior Homme’s Menswear ready-to-wear Spring Summer 2026 collection, prominently features the intricate Lucknowi mukaish embroidery technique, which is known for its labor-intensive craftsmanship.
Mukaish embroidery utilizes metallic threads, typically gold or silver, to create stunning patterns on fabrics, predominantly silk, resulting in a shimmering effect. This traditional technique is often employed to enhance Indian clothing, making it a significant aspect of the country’s rich textile heritage.
In a heartfelt post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Gupta expressed her disappointment over the lack of visibility for the local artisans involved in creating luxury fashion items. She highlighted the absence of credit to India and its crafts, stating, “Dior sells a $200K coat using Lucknowi mukaish embroidery. 12 Indian artisans. 34 days of work. No credit. No context. No mention of India.”
Gupta emphasized that while the world appreciates Indian craftsmanship, it rarely acknowledges the artisans behind the work. She pointed out that the branding and storytelling often overshadow the contributions of the craftspeople, leaving their efforts invisible. “The hand that creates remains invisible,” she added.
Furthermore, Gupta suggested that India should learn from Japan and South Korea in leveraging its cultural heritage as a form of “soft power.” She stated, “Culture is soft power. Japan did it with design. Korea did it with pop culture. India must do it with craft. From sourcing destination to storytelling nation. A home of global brands. The lion has to come out. And roar.”
This incident comes on the heels of Prada facing backlash for using traditional Indian designs without proper credit in its Spring-Summer 2026 menswear collection. Following the criticism, Prada acknowledged the cultural significance of the Kolhapuri sandals it featured, which drew inspiration from centuries-old Indian craftsmanship.
As the fashion industry continues to draw from global cultures, the call for recognition and respect for the artisans behind these creations becomes increasingly vital. The conversation surrounding crediting craftsmanship is essential for fostering a more equitable and respectful relationship between luxury brands and the cultures they draw inspiration from.
**FAQ**
**Why is Radhika Gupta criticizing Dior?**
Radhika Gupta is criticizing Dior for not crediting the Indian artisans who created the intricate Lucknowi mukaish embroidery featured on a luxury coat, highlighting the need for recognition of local craftsmanship in the fashion industry.
