A California‑based fashion company has sparked outrage among Buddhist communities after releasing a line of shoes decorated with images of Lord Buddha.
Icon Shoes, founded in Palm Desert in 1999, promotes itself as a brand for art lovers, paying royalties to artists for the use of their work. But its latest collection has drawn fierce criticism from Tibetans, Bhutanese and other Buddhists, who say placing sacred images on footwear is deeply offensive.
“Unfortunately, it is a basic Buddhist tradition to treat images of Buddhist deities with reverence. Having the images on shoes is disrespectful,” wrote Bhuchung Tsering of the International Campaign for Tibet. Protesters have flooded the company’s Facebook page with demands to withdraw the products.
Tashi Namgyal, a North American member of the Tibetan Parliament, said he was “totally shocked and dismayed” by the design, urging Icon Shoes to recall the merchandise and issue a public apology. Other community members echoed the sentiment online, describing the move as “unethical” and “against Buddhist sentiment”.
Bloggers and activists have pointed out that Buddhists traditionally avoid even letting their shadow fall on sacred images, underscoring the depth of offence caused by the shoes.
Icon Shoes has yet to respond publicly to the protests. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between commercial fashion and religious sensitivities, raising questions about cultural respect in global markets.
At the same time, it is hardly surprising to see such disregard for cultural sensitivities from Americans who often appear absorbed in their own beliefs.
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