"Ralph Lauren apologizes for Indigenous design 'plagiarism'", 21 October 2022

...Ralph Lauren has apologized after it was accused by Beatriz Gutierrez, the wife of the president of Mexico and head of a cultural affairs commission, of plagiarizing Indigenous designs.

On Thursday, Gutierrez posted a photo on Instagram of a Ralph Lauren jacket which she said appropriated the designs of the Contla and Saltillo peoples from Mexico.

At the time of the post, the coat retailed at certain department stores for $360 (€368).

"Hey Ralph: We already realized that you really like Mexican designs," Gutierrez wrote. "However, by copying these designs you're committing plagiarism, and as you know, plagiarism is illegal and immoral." "At least acknowledge it," she added. "And hopefully you will compensate the original communities that do this work with love and not for million-dollar profit"...

Hours after the post, Ralph Lauren issued an apology to news agency Reuters and said it was "surprised" the product was still on sale after issuing a directive to remove it from stores several months ago.

"We are deeply sorry this happened and, as always, we are open to dialogue about how we can do better," the fashion company said in a statement.

Ralph Lauren has pledged that all new products using Indigenous designs going forward after its Summer 2023 collection will be created under a model of "credit and collaboration"...