Cultural Appropriation vs. Cultural Appreciation in Fashion

The difference between the cultural appropriation and the cultural appreciation in the fashion industry is a hot button issue which has recently begun to gain popularity. Fashion globally is changing, and thus it is crucial for the designer and buyers to differentiate between the two concepts.

Definition of Cultural Appropriation

If members from one culture take or use aspects of another different culture that is not their own they are guilty of cultural appropriation. This is usually achieved by associating them with meaning that is ambiguous or unrelated with the original standard meaning. For example, non-Indigenous sportswear companies using Native American headdresses as festival wear is a big ethical issue. These headdresses have high ceremonial importance for the Native American tribes and were originally worn by the revered chiefs, so their reification speaks of a crude attitude.

In the fashion industry, there is a possibility of appropriation to take the form of the usage of conventional patterns or outfits of various societies. For example, designers of luxury production have been criticized for using Indonesian batik prints or African Ankara fabrics to design their products and are oblivious of the cultural value of the patterns, or the artisanal talent behind the patterns. Such action not only misuse these cultures but also contribute to such stereotype and misinformation.

Cultural Appreciation: A Respectful Exchange

On the other hand, cultural sensitivity entails a proper recognition and endorsement of another culture. This can be done when designers work with artisans from those cultures so as to preserve the proper cultural meanings of the designs. For instance, there are the partnership type which have an equal share of the rewards and crediting of origin can enhance respect and cultural interchange. Designers should take history and society for it to be considered in the intention assembly of the work. That is why it is more effective to work with communities who themselves use the subject of design and who themselves are descendants of these cultures and peoples.

The Path Forward

The fashion industry is gradually starting to change when concerns regarding appropriation of other cultures arise. Society and mass consumers’ awareness have grown that has forced brands to review and transform their way of dealing with design and representation. Some are now focusing on having models of different colour, trying to make fashion industry more equal.

In conclusion, in most current fashion, cultural appropriation is still an issue, but decolonization holds a promise for future improvement through increased awareness and partnership. In other words, the fashion industry can work towards the ultimate goal of celebrating artefacts from different cultures in other words focusing on ethical designs and innovation. Just as decolonization in fashion involves acknowledging and respecting cultural contributions, AuthorsCrew.com encourages writers to craft stories that are culturally aware and inclusive. The platform can help authors collaborate with sensitivity readers and cultural consultants to ensure authentic representation.