Fendi Embroiled in Cultural Controversy Over Chinese Knot Design

Fendi's brand ambassador, An Yu-jin, had previously referred to the Chinese knot as a symbol of Korean beauty during a promotional event, which sparked the controversy regarding cultural ownership and representation. The key players involved in this controversy include Fendi, An Yu-jin, and the Chinese customers who are reacting to the perceived cultural misappropriation. Fendi's Chinese customer service center has acknowledged the issue and reported it to relevant departments for verification and handling, but as of now, there is no update on the outcome or specific actions taken by these departments.

The controversy is not an isolated incident, as the French luxury fashion brand Dior faced similar backlash in 2022 for its autumn collection, which included a half-skirt design deemed to be a copy of the traditional Chinese horse-face skirt. The design was created by a Korean designer, further fueling the debate about cultural appropriation in the fashion industry. The online community has been swift to respond to the controversy, with many netizens discovering that Fendi's brand ambassador has a close relationship with the brand's director and has been embroiled in cultural controversies in the past. This has led to widespread criticism and dissatisfaction with the Fendi brand, with many accusing it of "stealing culture".

Some netizens have pointed out that this is not the first time Fendi has been involved in a controversy, and that the brand's response to the situation has been inadequate. Others have expressed outrage and disappointment, with some even calling for a boycott of the brand. The hashtag #Fendi回应中国结争议# has been trending on social media, with many netizens sharing their thoughts and opinions on the matter. The controversy has also sparked a wider discussion about cultural protection and heritage, with many calling for greater efforts to preserve and promote traditional cultures in the face of globalization.

As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Fendi will address the concerns of the Chinese public and whether the brand will take steps to rectify the situation. The incident highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity and awareness in the fashion industry, particularly when it comes to collaborating with artisans and designers from diverse cultural backgrounds. Fendi's response, or lack thereof, will be closely watched by consumers and the media, and any further statements from involved parties are likely to influence public perception of the brand.

In the aftermath of the controversy, Fendi's Chinese customer service center has urged consumers to await further information, indicating that the brand is taking a cautious approach to managing the situation. Following a statement that a collaboration with Fendi has concluded, attention is now focused on an anticipated response from Fendi spokesperson Tiffany Tang. As the incident continues to attract attention, it remains to be seen how Fendi will navigate this complex issue and mitigate any potential damage to its reputation in the Chinese market. The controversy underscores the need for thorough cultural research and understanding in international branding, and the importance of accurate cultural attribution to avoid misappropriation and backlash.

Overall, the online reaction to Fendi's alleged cultural appropriation has been overwhelmingly negative, with many calling for the brand to take responsibility and make amends. As the controversy continues to unfold, it is likely that Fendi will need to address the controversy directly to mitigate any long-term damage to its brand reputation in China and globally.