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Here on Within Color, we've had so many discussions on cultural appropriation (see two great posts from Alicia and Vivian here), but it's still an issue that is easily overlooked or forgotten by many and even some of us POC due to the bastardization of ethnic prints, styles, and patterns by large and popular corporate stores (even smaller local boutiques)! It's a slippery slope in which it leads to thinking, "Well, it must be okay! Forever 21 and Asos do it!" Except it's not. There's still so much confusion about it, so the purpose of this post is to just hopefully clear the clouds on it a little more.
I currently subscribe to Who What Wear, an online fashion and beauty magazine that sends out daily newsletters touching on beauty looks, products, celebrity outfits, street styles, trends, etc. Created by two white women, it is as you would expect, not inclusive and inconsiderate of culture, ethnicity, and race. While I enjoy WWW from time to time, it's why I love WC and why contributor Michelle created it. Not to toot our own horn here, because while we have made mistakes, we do try incredibly hard to be respectful of all cultures and ethnicities and races and to keep our own privileges in check. And in cases where we haven't, we have owned up to our misgivings and mistakes without excuses. There are so many blogs out there who put fashion as their first priority without thinking of the implications of their choices, while we strive to put inclusivity and respect as our first priority above all else, even as a fashion and beauty blog. What I like to think makes us different is that we keep conscious of race, culture, and ethnicity in mind in all of our posts.
Top: (L) Free People; (R) Asos
Bottom: (L) Nordstrom (a kimono); (R) Shopbop
In one of their recent daily newsletters, they had an 'Ask A Stylist' about beach coverups. These stylists (Emily Current and Meritt Elliot) are also white. One of the looks they favor is 'The Globetrotter Girl," where they enthusiastically promote and encourage you to look like a world traveler (or a 'gypsetter') appropriating all the countries you've never been to! Two pieces they highly recommend is a kimono: a Japanese robe; or a kaftan (or caftan): a front buttoned coat, and usually resembling a robe or tunic, worn by Morrocan, African, Persian, South East Asian, and mostly Islamic cultures. All differing in ways depending on which culture they are found in. And in an ethnic print, of course. This is a great example of how easy it is to overlook something offensive, since it's been promoted by a huge entity. Through buying and wearing an item not from my culture, I participate and perpetuate the loss of the historical value and significance of those items, and contributing to corporations profiting and taking away business from POC.
It's summer, I know I definitely want to still look fashionable while staying cool at the beach and chic for after beach activities. But I have to remember that regardless of how stylish I want to look, I have to keep myself in check because it's unacceptable to forsake respect for other cultures just because I want to look good. We can appreciate other cultures without needing to wear items from said culture.
There are so many other alternative coverups you can wear and still stay in trend and fashionable without being guilty of cultural appropriation. Here are some of my favorites at various price points.
In addition, here are some great reads about cultural appropriation if you are still confused or would like more clarification:
