The Problems of Cultural Appropriation in High Fashion

Problems of Cultural Appropriation in High Fashion
Student Name
Institution Affiliation
Problems of Cultural Appropriation in High Fashion
Cultural appropriation is the use of culturally laden images that do not associate with a cultural setting and often occurs in the fashion industry. Such instances have drawn increased public attention in recent years as it occurs, mainly in the minority or foreign cultures (Alspaugh, 2019). More cultural appropriations have been witnessed in the 21st century because of the internet. These instances have led to vigorous debates on social media. Cultural appropriation in fashion has been triggered by the mere fact that individuals want to explore and appreciate cultures to which they do not belong to. The motives of cultural appropriations range from good intentions of exploring other cultures to a destructive expression of xenophobia. While cultural appropriation seems to be a significant tool in appreciating other cultures, some individuals are concerned that it will cause adverse effects in the fashion industry.
Cultural appropriation affects high fashion economically by reducing sales. Recently, Gucci was under fire for selling the head scarfs called Indy Full Turban. Debates from the social media stirred mixed reactions, with many claiming the accessory and its name were insensitive towards the Sikh culture. The headscarves were since marked as sold out on the Nordstrom website where they were being sold. Gucci has since changed the name of the product on their website to Indy Full Head Wrap. Later on, Gucci issued a public apology to the affected parties stating that it fully respects the fundamental divergent values of different communities. They eventually did away with the product completely, which reduced their revenues as the product was widely used by people. The Sikh indicated on their Twitter handle that turban is not a fashion but an accessory (Ilchi, 2019).
Photo curtsey: WWD website
Cultural appropriation causes harm to various cultures in high fashion. This happens when it is used without clearly interpreting the origin culture. Such instances may involve the use of high fashion that has not been manipulated in correspondence with the other culture. In 2020, Comme des Garcons which is a Japanese fashion label, caused rage in Paris fashion week after it sent models down the runway wearing cornrow lace front wigs. Lots of people complained online about the move, which forced the brand to issue a public apology on the issue. Some did not understand why the brand could do that in 2020, when they are fully aware that it was harmful (Russo, 2020).
Photo credit: Teen Vogue
Another instance happened in Paris during a fashion show in the year 2015. Junya Watanabe sparked emotions when it sent white models wearing cornrows, dreadlocks, African textiles, borne neckless, and many more. The show was termed offensive. The scenario implied that Africa’s cultural products were up for grabs in the end game, thus making non-African people more beautiful. The idea was interpreted as something that threatened the whites, as embracing the culture of other people was considered inappropriate. While many saw it as a cultural appropriation in fashion, some weren’t even...