Ralph Lauren Apologizes After 'Plagiarism' Accusation For Using Indigenous Designs

American fashion company Ralph Lauren (RL) on Thursday apologized for selling clothing that copied indigenous Mexican designs.

In an Instagram post on Thursday, the wife of Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, Beatriz Gutiérrez Müller, shared a photo of a Lauren by Ralph Lauren long-sleeve cardigan. In the post, Gutiérrez Müller writes that by copying traditional cultural designs, Ralph Lauren is "committing plagiarism" and "plagiarism is illegal and immoral."

Gutiérrez Müller said the designs originated in the Mexican communities of Saltillo and Contla. Saltillo is in the country's northeastern part in Coahuila, close to Monterey. Contla is located southeast of Mexico City in Tlaxcala.

The company said it was "surprised" the product was on the sales floor, and there was a "stern directive" to remove the product from "all channels" months ago. The company said it is conducting an audit to learn how the item found its way onto the retail market and has removed the item from stores.

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

On Thursday, Reuters found the item still for sale online for thousands of dollars. By noon on Friday, it was absent from the company's website.

Gutiérrez Müller took to Twitter and Instagram to thank the company for removing the item. "Out of respect for the artistic property of the Contla and Saltillo scrapers, we thank you for taking action to reverse this situation."

Under Andrés Manuel Lopez Obrador's administration, the Mexican government has taken steps to reclaim and protect pieces of pre-colonial Mexican heritage.

In July, the Mexican government and cultural ministry wrote to the Chinese clothing company Shein asking for an explanation of the use of an indigenous Myan design on some of their products. The products were removed from circulation.

Mexico's government has made similar claims to other large global retailers, including Spanish clothing seller Zara (ITX.MC), American retailer Anthropology (URBN), and French company Louis Vuitton (MC.PA).

Ralph Lauren said the company's Create With Intent initiative focuses on sustainable production and responsible design. The initiative was first announced in June and vowed that products that feature traditional indigenous design motifs will be made under "a model of credit and collaboration."

Ralph Lauren said it is expanding on mandatory cultural awareness training and developing work with indigenous communities.

"We approach this journey with humility and, above all, with dignity and respect for Indigenous communities," the company said in its statement.

The Ralph Lauren brand celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2018.