Facing criticism, Balenciaga removes Moroccan babouches from its store

Balenciaga is trying to put an end to a controversy it has triggered by selling online a pair of mules strongly inspired by the traditional Moroccan babouches known locally as Belgha for $995. The brand has simply removed the product from its online store, without however communicating on the subject.

The controversy was born on social networks where many Moroccan Internet users protested against a new model of slippers, inspired by the famous Moroccan babouche put on sale on the Balenciaga website for a price of 995 dollars, while Moroccan sellers and artisans who devote a lot of time to producing similar slippers sell them in the souks at prices ranging from 100 to 500 DH. The brand, which does not recognize the origin of the belgha, has been accused of cultural appropriation.