Sindoor might go global, thanks to designer Prabal Gurung. The Nepalese American at his Fall/Winter 2023 collection at the New York Fashion Week 2023 had some of his models, with their hair neatly parted at the centre, don the sindoor. The sindoor—traditionally vermillion in hue—came in other colours too matching the outfits of the models, who flaunted oversized shoulders, slits, crop tops, flowy silhouettes and embellishments.
Gurung termed the theme “anichya”, which is interpreted by Buddhists in Nepal as what is present and how soon it can go.
Twitter was divided over Grurung’s fashion statement. Many hailed him for promoting Nepali culture and traditions, while some criticized the move as regressive and patriarchal.
Nepali actress and Mrs Nepal International 2021, Usha Rajak, tweeted that “red is the color of love, color of courage,” and praised Gurung for “promoting sindoor and Nepali culture through fashion.”
Deeja Deeja called the fashion statement patriarchal. “Nepali women don’t adore sindoor. They’re made to adore it through structure.”
Twitter account Team Sundays Cultural accused Gurung of appropriation.
