Jhumkas At Paris Fashion Week? Ralph Lauren’s Fall 2026 Show Sparks Cultural Credit Debate

Last Updated:March 09, 2026, 09:40 IST

Ralph Lauren’s Fall 2026 show at Paris Fashion Week sparks debate as runway earrings resembling traditional jhumkas raise questions about cultural credit.

Ralph Lauren’s Fall 2026 women’s collection at Paris Fashion Week

Fashion’s biggest runways have long drawn inspiration from cultures around the world. Yet in an era of heightened awareness around representation and credit, these references are increasingly scrutinised. That conversation resurfaced at Paris Fashion Week when Ralph Lauren unveiled its Fall 2026 women’s collection.

Amid sharply tailored jackets, equestrian-inspired boots and polished eveningwear, one accessory quietly captured the internet’s attention: long, bell-shaped silver earrings strikingly similar to traditional South Asian jhumkas. As images from the show went viral, the resemblance sparked a wider debate about whether global fashion houses should explicitly acknowledge the cultural origins of designs that closely mirror traditional crafts.

The Cultural Legacy Of The Jhumka

The jhumka is far more than a decorative accessory. Defined by its distinctive dome-shaped silhouette and intricate dangling elements, it has been a staple of South Asian jewellery traditions for centuries.

Historical references trace the design as far back as ancient temple sculptures from the Chola Dynasty, where depictions of dancers wearing similar bell-shaped earrings appear in stone carvings. Over time, the design became deeply intertwined with classical dance forms such as Bharatanatyam and with ceremonial dressing across the Indian subcontinent.

Today, jhumkas remain an essential part of bridal trousseaus and festive jewellery collections, symbolising craftsmanship passed down through generations of artisans.

Social Media Questions Cultural Attribution

When runway photos from the show began circulating online, many viewers noted the striking resemblance between the earrings and traditional jhumkas. Critics argued that while fashion thrives on cross-cultural inspiration, acknowledging the origins of such designs is increasingly important in a global industry. One user wrote, “THOSE ARE JHUMKAS. My culture is not your costume!” A second user commented, “Cultural appropriation yet again. Stealing jhumkas now. Don’t you guys have anything better to do? Got no creativity of your own?” A third user said, “kudos to your team for being great copy cats.”

For many observers, the issue is less about inspiration and more about visibility. Artisans and cultural historians have often pointed out that traditional craft forms are frequently reinterpreted on international runways without the communities behind them being recognised.

The discussion around the jhumka echoes a broader conversation unfolding across the luxury fashion industry. In 2025, Italian fashion house Prada faced criticism after unveiling leather sandals resembling traditional Kolhapuri chappals – handcrafted footwear from Maharashtra that holds a geographical indication (GI) tag in India.

That moment sparked similar concerns among artisans and industry observers who felt the design’s heritage roots were overlooked in its presentation.