Global fashion shows often draw attention for silhouettes, fabrics and styling choices. Ralph Lauren’s Fall 2026 runway presentation during Paris Fashion Week, but a pair of earrings became the centre of an online debate.
Several models wore dome-shaped dangling earrings that closely resembled jhumkas.
In posts about the show, Ralph Lauren described the styling as featuring “authentic vintage accessories”. The brand also credited Native American designers connected to its Authentic Makers and Artist in Residence programmes.
The posts did not mention South Asian jewellery traditions or reference jhumkas.
That description prompted questions online about the origins of the earrings.
Scroll to learn what happened next.
Why Jhumkas Matter
Jhumkas are a traditional style of earrings from South Asia. The design feature a bell-shaped dome with detailed metalwork and small dangling beads or pearls.
Historical examples appear in Indian temple sculptures, paintings and classical dance costumes. Today, people across India and South Asia wear jhumkas with both traditional outfits and contemporary clothing.
Because of this strong cultural link, the description of the earrings simply as “vintage accessories” triggered debate on social media.
Also watch: Nancy Tyagi’s viral fashion journey
A Pattern Seen Before
The discussion around the Ralph Lauren show also reminded many users of similar debates involving luxury fashion brands.
Fashion often draws inspiration from different cultures, but some runway moments have triggered backlash when audiences felt that the origins of certain designs were not clearly credited.
When Kolhapuri Sandals Entered The Spotlight
In 2025, Prada released sandals that observers compared to traditional Kolhapuri chappals.
Kolhapuri chappals are handcrafted leather sandals from Maharashtra.
After the criticism, Prada partnered with Indian artisans and released a limited edition line connected to the craft.
The Mukaish Embroidery Debate
Another discussion emerged during Paris Couture Week in Fall 2025.
Dior presented a coat valued at about $200,000 featuring Mukaish embroidery.
Mukaish is a metal thread embroidery technique historically associated with Lucknow. The runway piece triggered online discussion about the craft’s long history and the artisans who continue to practise it.
Also watch: Meet the man behind Cannes' most viral looks | Brut Original with Gaurav Gupta
A Kurta Look That Raised Questions
In 2021, Gucci released a kaftan-style garment priced at about $3,500.
Several social media users pointed out that the design resembled a traditional Indian kurta.
Images comparing the two circulated widely online and triggered criticism across social platforms.
Why These Conversations Keep Returning
Fashion regularly draws inspiration from global cultures and historical garments.
In Ralph Lauren’s Fall 2026 show, the debate began with a single accessory. The discussion quickly expanded into a broader conversation about how global fashion houses label and credit cultural designs.
