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Marrakech – Following their debut for sale at a hefty price tag, Balenciaga’s online flagship store swiftly pulled a pair of traditional Moroccan slippers, recognized locally as Belgha.
The product no longer appears on the brand’s website, and attempting to access the link will result in a “page not found” error.
Priced at a staggering $995, the shoes sparked outrage among critics who accused the brand of exploiting and appropriating Moroccan culture for profit.
Social media platforms turned into a battlefield as many commenters denounced the company’s activities and the insensitivity of capitalizing on cultural icons without proper acknowledgment or respect.
While some defended the brand’s right to artistic expression and creativity, the majority of commenters emphasized the importance of ethical fashion practices and cultural appreciation over appropriation.
The luxury retailer failed to acknowledge the remarkable similarity between the slippers and traditional Moroccan footwear.
In addition to Balenciaga’s cultural appropriation, the exorbitant price of the slippers has helped fuel the backlash.
These traditional slippers have a deep cultural significance in Moroccan heritage.
More than just a fashion accessory, they are a representation of Moroccan identity and long-standing tradition.
In local markets across Morocco, the slippers are available at significantly lower prices than those offered by Balenciaga, highlighting the discrepancy between the luxury brand’s pricing and the accessibility of the genuine cultural artifact.
