Fashion has always been an expression of identity, allowing people to outwardly represent their culture and values. From the latest streetwear trends to traditional ethnic clothing, fashion choices have the ability to bridge gaps and create conversations between cultures. That being said, with fashion’s ability to transcend boundaries comes the danger of cultural appropriation. Join us as we explore the long political history of cultural appropriation in fashion and how it’s evolved over time.
1) “Tracing the Origins of Cultural Appropriation in Fashion”
The term design ‘cultural appropriation’ can be characterized as taking the expressions of a culture not your own and using them as an artistic influence and influence to quantify your own work. In the realm of the form business, this is frequently done with clothes and accessories that ‘sample’ different customs and societies, most often without legitimate respect and respect.
From the earliest starting point of mankind, we have invested energy in considering different societies, religions, and religions. This has been a characteristic enthusiasm, yet the presentation of design has featured a specific job in broadening this type of study; prompting incredible development as one culture ‘possesses’ another’s craftsmanship.
In straightforward words, cultural appropriation in fashion is the usage of a particular culture’s style in form or extras for stylish purposes while ignoring its source or birthplace. The underlying foundations and causes of these training are shifted. Case in point, based off the French exploration of North America, the dissemination of their trailblazer way of life prompted the infiltration into the Indigenous fashion.
- In the 1800s, Japanese Ikebana impacted Western flower game plans in Interior Design.
- In the 1900s, the development of South Asian-roused form went to the London style world.
- Presently we’ve seen an expansion of African-impacted design trends.
Today, inappropriate acts of cultural appropriation in fashion are more evident than ever. Designers often “borrow” culture and traditions, without giving proper credit to its original source or acknowledging the true impact of their work. There are, however, many examples of culturally appropriate materials and designs for inspiration.
2) “From Elite European Influences to Modern Day Rebellions”
A Wealth of Inspiration
The influence of Europe on Irish culture stretches back for centuries; it is undeniable that the arrivial of the Normans brought about a wealth of changes to the landscape of the island. The Norman nobles established grandiose castles and abbeys, which supplemented the smaller towns and villages that had been around long before their arrival. Throughout this period, European fashion, literature, music and even architecture influenced life in Ireland.
As the centuries progressed, Celtic music had started to fuse with European musical influences, and all this was blended together in the classic Irish traditional music of the 1800s. Incorporating jigs, reels and polkas, Irish music was a unique blend of the old and the new. These traditional tunes were passed down from generation to generation and continued to soar in popularity, eventually popping up all over the world.
Rise of Nationalism
The 19th century saw a sharp rise in Irish identity and nationalism, which was in turn heavily influenced by French romanticism. Many Irish poets, authors, playwrights and musicians adopted a similar romanticised style in their works during this time.
The unrest of this period resulted in the Easter Rising of 1916, which can be considered as one of the most influential moments in modern day Irish history. During this time, Irish nationalism and freedom from the British crown were fought for with passion and ultimately led to the establishment of the Irish Free State.
Since then, Irish culture has taken on a whole new meaning, with modern day rebellions creating a fresh wave of contemporary Irish creatives. From the stellar success of Irish music artists, comedians and actors, it is clear that European influences have softened with the spirit of nationalism to create a uniquely modern island nation.
3) “The Disruptive Impact of Cultural Appropriation”
Cultural appropriation is a term used to describe the borrowing or taking of elements from one culture by members of another. It can be seen in many aspects of life, including fashion, music, art, literature, and language. In recent years, the term has become a hot topic of debate, as it has been argued to be an insensitive act that can be disrespectful to the original culture.
The impact of cultural appropriation can be seen in a number of ways. For example, individuals in the dominant culture may use the symbol or style of another culture without knowledge or understanding of its history or significance. They may also take an existing symbol or representation and modify it, inadvertently creating a harmful, incorrect, or distorted version of the original. This act can lead to a loss of culture and identity, and can even lead to ostracization within the original culture.
In addition, the act of appropriating one’s culture can also be viewed as a form of exploitation. The majority culture may take elements from the minority culture and use them for their own benefit, without offering mutual respect or honoring the group’s history. This can lead to an imbalance of power, making it difficult for minorities to be heard or seen.
Ultimately, cultural appropriation has a disruptive effect on communities and people. It inherently causes harm, as it can strip away the identity of those within the minority culture, leading to a sense of disrespect and displacement. It is important to understand the implications of this issue and to take steps to prevent it from happening in the future. This could involve promoting representation of minority cultures, or becoming an active ally for minority communities.
4) “Taking Action for Change: The Modern Response”
The world has changed drastically over the last century, and our reactions to social issues must reflect that change. Taking action for change in the modern world begins with increased awareness and understanding of the issues at hand.
It is important to recognize that change starts on a grassroots level. While government involvement is often necessary to implement lasting change, the everyday actions of individuals have a major impact as well. Whether it’s getting informed and educated about an issue or taking part in rallies and other advocacy activities, everyone has a role to play in the fight for equality and justice.
In recent years, we have seen a huge increase in the presence of social media in the fight for change. Activists can use this platform to create conversations and spread awareness of important issues, while organizations can build a broader network of support and action. Social media can also be used to highlight instances of injustice, call for specific actions to be taken, and to promote direct marches, rallies, and other protest activities.
In addition, technology is being utilized to assist in creating change and exchanging resources. Organizations are utilizing apps, virtual educational programs, and fundraising platforms to bring about change in the modern world. From crowdsourcing to new-age donation systems, it’s never been easier to get involved and take direct action.
- Increase awareness by staying informed about the issues and having conversations with family and friends.
- Participate in advocacy activities such as rallies, marches, and protests.
- Utilize social media to spread awareness, inform others, and encourage direct action.
- Use technology as an asset in creating change and exchanging resources.
5) “Harnessing the Power of Fashion for Future Progress
Fashion is often looked at as merely a source of joy for people, but its potential to create a meaningful change in our societies should not be underestimated. As an industry, fashion has the power to enact positive change through its production methods, designs and its ability to influence consumer behaviour.
Production Methods – One of the most powerful impacts fashion has is in the production process of creating apparel. By using natural and sustainable materials such as organic cotton, the fashion industry has the potential to reduce the amount of energy and water used to create clothing and lower the level of waste in the production and consumption process. In addition, utilising recycled materials or to up-cycle materials can reduce the quantity of resources we use in our day-to-day lives.
Designs – The design of clothing has a lot of potential to influence consumer behaviour. Eco-friendly designs and colours are becoming more popular as consumers become aware of the non-biodegradable materials that are used to produce fashion items such as artificial leather and synthetic fabrics. With this knowledge, fashion designers are able to create aesthetically pleasing designs that are also sustainable.
Consumer Behaviour – Lastly, fashion can influence consumer behaviour through the nature of fashion shows and fashion weeks. By making eco-friendly designs the focus of shows, the fashion industry is able to showcase the potential of sustainable practices and materials. Plus, through creating a platform for designers to present their collections, the fashion industry can create an environment for innovative and trend-setting designs.
By recognising its power, fashion can strive to create a more efficient and sustainable industry and society. It can push the boundaries of creativity and innovation within manufacturing processes, designs and consumer behaviour. With the proper harnessing of fashion’s power, the world can finally move towards a more progressive and sustainable future.
The consequences of cultural appropriation in fashion need to be taken into account in order to ensure the respect of the source culture. It is essential, and indeed necessary, to consider cultural sensitivity when drawing inspiration from different sources. Fashion is an evoking platform for creativity, one which can be used to pay homage to those who have gone before us. Acknowledging, appreciating, and understanding the cultural context of fashion is key to creating diversity and inclusivity, — essential components of a beautiful world.
