INFLUENCE or APPROPRIATION?
Fashion has been affected down through the ages by different cultures. The endless contributions of regional tastes, fabrics, colors, and designs have added interest and creativity to fashion, architecture, and home décor. One designer may feature a Moroccan themed line of clothing, while the next may use Polynesian influenced colors, textures, and patterns. One rack of clothes may feature flowing Asian silks, while the very next rack may feature straight, precise, and minimalist Scandinavian lines.
But when does “influence” become appropriation? A few years ago, a young lady wore a kimono to her high school prom and put her picture on social media. This sparked a heated discussion of whether it was appropriate. Some would think she was honoring another culture by wearing the stunning kimono, while others thought it was an offense to reduce their culture down to a prom dress. The line is difficult to draw. So difficult that I cannot figure out where it is. So, contact me and let me know your opinions. I need help and I’ll feature your comments as I try to work through this issue. Until then, check out some links I’ve included that go to some culturally appropriate fashions influenced by different areas of the world.
- African – FEIYOUNG Women’s Dashiki Floral Dress
- Asian – SweatyRocks Flowery Open Dress Kimono Cardigan
- Polynesian – Hawaii Hangover Women’s Butterfly Dress
- Indian – Delisa Indian Salwar Kameez Dress
- Latin – Alex Evenings Chiffon Bolero Jacket
