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Online clothing store Shein has apologized for selling Muslim prayer rugs on its site.
The rugs sold were labeled as “ruffled Greek rugs” and bore images of the Kabaa.
The Kabaa is a building located in the center of Mecca, considered the holiest place by Muslims around the world.
Shein has also been accused of cultural appropriation for using white models to sell sleepwear imitating cultural clothing.
The retailer has now apologized via a statement to its more than 11 million Instagram followers and removed the posts from its site.
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“As a global brand, we are committed to doing a much better job educating ourselves about different cultures, religions and traditions to ensure our diverse community is respected and honored,” he said.
“We sincerely apologize to all those we have hurt and offended and hope that we can earn your forgiveness.”
Product reviews showed that customers were using the mats for purposes other than prayer – one review showed a buyer using the mat for their pet cat.
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This isn’t the first time something like this has happened: cultural appropriation in fashion has been a problem. current conversation these last years.
Last year, PrettyLittleThing was criticized for designing an “oriental” collection based on a traditional Chinese dress.
High fashion brands like Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana and Commes Des Garçons have also had to apologize – but Financial Times fashion editor Lauren Indvik told Radio 1 Newsbeat earlier this year that the industry has “woke up” to the question of diversity in fashion.
“There has been a real effort to raise awareness and appoint diversity councils.
“I think the focus now is on recruiting for diversity, which probably wasn’t the case three or four years ago.”
