Communism not so chic

Imagine wandering up to the Western Wall with a swastika printed on your handbag.

Hollywood star Cameron Diaz has caused a similar level of offence to the people of Peru by sight-seeing at the ancient city of Machu Picchu wearing a bag emblazoned with the words of Chairman Mao.

Communist chic may be mildly popular among fashionistas in California, but not in Peru: Mao inspired the terrorist organisation the Shining Path, which sought to overthrow the Peruvian Government with a bloody campaign of bombings and killings.