A Wren Says

If you follow fashion news, you may have heard that Dior has been accused of cultural appropriation. The claim is that a recent skirt design is actually modeled on a traditional Chinese style, the maniaqun. Specifically, the backlash has come from Chinese citizens, who called attention to the similarities between the two. I believe they are pushing back at the idea of their own culture being sold back to them at a luxury price and called an original design.

My first thought was, “Really, it is just a pleated skirt? You saying that they can’t make a pleated skirt?” But doing further digging, it is a very specific style of wrap skirt with pleats. I watched a YouTube video that provided context. The creator also links to additional sources that you might find useful as well.

I am not providing commentary on this per se, but it has me thinking about the idea of cultural appropriation more generally in fashion. I think there is a larger conversation to be had that has to go beyond lodging accusations and forcing retractions. I am working through my opinion on this, which I will post once I get my thoughts in order.