Understanding Cultural Appropriation

Cultural Appropriation : "the act of taking or using things from a culture that is not your own, especially without showing that you understand or respect this culture."

                                                                                                                   - Cambridge Dictionary 

Admittedly, cultural appropriation is not something I really understood until a few years ago. When I was at college we had to undergo a research project , and it was then that I decided to research further into cultural appropriation.  Prior to that I'd say I was ignorant towards the issue, I never understood how it was offensive and thought people were overreacting. However, once i began to educate myself on the topic I began to understand the problem of it.

There were two people who initially sparked my interest in the topic - Zendaya and Amandla Stenberg. At the time I was doing my research project there was controversy around comments TV presenter, Giuliana Rancic made regarding Zendaya's hairstyle to the 2015 Oscars. I will leave a link to the story at the end of this post in case you're not aware of it!

 After this incident happened I completely agreed that Giuliana's comments were wrong, and offensive, and it got me thinking about other occasions of cultural appropriation that I had previously ignored. For instance, wearing Bindis to festivals. Bindis are a part of Hindu culture, however they are constantly worn as fashion accessories. I admit, when I first heard people were offended by this I didn't understand why, I thought how can you be offended that people are appreciating your culture? But I now know that that isn't the case. If people of that culture are telling us they are offended who are we to tell them not to be?

Quite frankly, taking these things from other cultures and profiting from them is a power move, as a dominant culture we feel we can take these things and completely ignore the significant meanings behind them, which contribute to harmful stereotypes and misconceptions. For many years, people have been degraded for wearing items such as Bindis, as well as people of colour for their hairstyles etc. and now they've been taken from them and deemed fashionable.

Cultural appropriation is an ongoing issue, one thing I see constantly is fast fashion companies selling "Oriental" dresses. Again, items from other cultures are not yours to take to dress up in, or wear to festivals!

I think the issue is, so many people are still unaware of how big the problem is, and they don't realise that it's offensive.  Hopefully, people will continue to speak out about this issue and educate others on the subject.

I'd also recommend watching this video Amandla Stenberg made, as I mentioned earlier she is one of the reasons I began to educated myself further on the topic.- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1KJRRSB_XA

Rach x x x

*Link to Zednaya and Guiliana story - https://people.com/tv/zendaya-blasts-giuliana-rancic-for-criticizing-her-oscars-dreadlocks/

FEMINISM IS NOT A TREND

We wear t-shirts with feminist slogans but what about the women who made them?

I do own a t-shirt with 'Feminist' written across it, that I got a few years ago from H&M but the more I look into the Feminist issues the more I feel like brands are exploiting them, and making them into a trend.

80% of garment workers are women and young girls, who are often exploited by their employers. Although, the thought behind buying feminist t-shirts is positive, when it comes down to it are they doing more harm than good?  When I purchased my t-shirt a few years ago, I wasn’t really aware of the feminist issues within the fashion industry - particularly in fast fashion.

It was when I started following Fashion Revolution on Instagram that I really began to understand the negative impact of fast fashion, especially on the workers. The global campaign Who Made My Clothes made me truly questions my fashion habits.

How can I call myself a feminist and wear these slogan t-shirts when the women and girls who made them suffer from violence in the workplace, poverty, unsafe working conditions, and exploitation.

Lets take a look at Karl Lagerfeld's work, the Chanel S/S15 runway was one of feminism and activism. However, this is exactly what I mean when I talk about brands trying to make feminism "trendy" and profit from it. He had models with megaphones, signs saying, "Ladies First", "History is Her Story", etc, whilst "I'm Every Women" was playing. It was quite the regular occurance for Lagerfeld to take advantage of Feminism, Sustainablity, and body positivity movements in order to sell clothes. However, his words and actions did not in anyway correlate with these messages, in actual fact he was known for making offensive comments which showed he was not in a fact a feminist, or for body positivity.

Lagerfeld repeatedly made comments about women's weight, claiming that plus size models should not be allowed on the runway.

In a quote when he defended stylist Karl Temper - a man accussed of pulling down models' pants - he said: "If you don't want your pants pulled about, don't become a model! Join a nunnery, there'll always be a place for you in the convent." These comments were made during the rise of the #MeToo campaign.

For me, the fashion revolution movement in finding out who made our clothes is very important! I am sick of brands using important issues as  a means to make profit, whilst being completely non-supportive of the real problem, and exploiting their workers. 

FEMINISM IS NOT A TREND!



Rach x x x

Autumn/Winter staples

Autumn/Winter is definitely my favourite time of the year, especially when it comes to fashion!
Obviously, each year trends differ but I have some staples that I wear year in and year out.

First of all, a classic pair of black boots. Such a basic piece but they go with every single outfit and are so versatile. My current faves are my black over the knee boots from Missguided, it took me a while to find the perfect pair of over the knee boots but I am so in love with these ones. I much prefer the faux leather look as opposed to suede, I personally like the look more and they are also more practical for the weather - suede boots In Scotland where it rains all the time isn't ideal. Pairing the boots with cute skirts and dresses is my go to look, i think it's so chic and love the contrast between the leather boots and floral prints. As I said before, these boots are so versatile and an be worn with everything, a big chunky jumper and skinny jeans tucked in would be such a look.

A huge scarf is a NEED, i got this amazing one from Warehouse for my birthday last year and I wore it 24/7. My other go to is a checked one from Topshop that I got about 5 years ago. Obviously, when it gets colder a scarf is very practical but it's also fashionable. It really adds something to a basic outfit and they last you years and years.

Bobble hats are my absolute go to, I always try out a number of different hats but I feel like the bobble hat is such a staple as it never goes out of style. Again, they are so practical but they also looks so cute, I have a few different colours so that I have one to go with any outfit. Like everyone, I love the comfy/cosy vibes of A/W outfits but I still want to feel put together and love my outfit and I think a bobble hat is such a great addition to your wardrobe.

By adding these items to my outfits they completely change up the look, I take a basic outfit - jeans and a turtle neck, and it can be transformed with the over the knee boots, warehouse scarf, and pink bobble hat etc.

Although these don't seem like the most interesting items I recommend everyone to have them in their wardrobe as they can be incorporated into all outfits.


Rach x x x

Influenced by TV

There are so many things that influence my outfits, I'm always looking at things around me to see if I can take inspiration from it.

Film and Television is a huge influence for us all, I actually wrote my dissertation on it last year - How fashion in film and television impacts consumer behaviour (don't worry I wont bore you with all the details). I really enjoyed researching into that and it got me thinking about which shows/characters have influenced my own fashion choices.
I thought it would be fun to share a few of the main  TV shows that have influenced and shaped my sense of style!

Kelly from Saved by the Bell is the first character I remember taking inspo from, I would sit for hours and look up pictures of her outfits and find similar things on eBay etc. I was totally obsessed with the whole 90's look, from the mom shorts and denim jackets I loved everything she wore. I'll post some pictures below of Kelly's outfits in case you aren't familiar with the show.

Even today, I love the way Kelly dressed and definitely emulate it in my every day style!

A character instantly recognisable by her headbands is Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl. I'm sure many people would agree with me that they've took fashion inspiration from Gossip Girl, as fashion was hugely incorporated into the show. I used to wear headbands 24/7 from the ages of 12-16, and I've recently started wearing them again. I can never put one on without thinking about Blair, I've even had people comment on my outfits saying they give off Blair vibes! As well as her iconic headbands, Blair had such a chic and sophisticated style that I always thought was amazing. Each episode of Gossip Girl I'd watch I would envy her looks. For some reason I am always drawn to her for inspo in the winter, here's some of my favourite Blair looks.

The last character I'm going to share with you is Aria, from Pretty Little Liars. I'm currently re-watching PLL and it reminded me of how much I loved her style a few years ago. She was always so unique which is what drew me to her, and when I was about 16 i liked to dress in a similar way. It's funny, as I watch the show now I look at her outfits in the earlier seasons and they are definitely not the sort of thing I would wear but I do feel nostalgic when I look at them, and I still appreciate her different looks. I'm only on season 4 of the show at the moment, but as I'm looking up her outfits I think I am definitely more drawn to her style in the last few seasons now.

 Over the years I'm sure I've taken inspiration from a number of TV shows and Films, but those three are without a doubt the ones that stand out to me in playing a big part in my fashion choices over the years.


Rach x x x

Identity Tag

To communicate who you are without saying a single word is the powerful act of fashion.

I love using fashion as a way to express who I am to the world. It's an extraordinary feeling to wake up each morning with the ability to decide how you present yourself to the world - my outfits constantly reflect my personality and my mood for the day. What I  really like is that you can change your look whenever you want, and my style is always changing and growing in the same way I am.

Recently I watched a Ted Talk video with Kaustav Dey (he leads the marketing for Tommy Hilfiger in India) which I really enjoyed, and could relate to. There was one part where he was discussing fashion utalising our differences and making them our strengths!

"Fashion can communicate our differences to the world for us. And with this simple act of truth, I realised that these differences - they stopped being our shame. They became our expressions, expressions of our very unique identities."

In terms of trends, I do like to keep up with what's "in" and read fashion magazines etc. but as I've gotten older I've accepted that people can wear whatever they want regardless of trends. I think growing up I'd always watch TV shows, and read magazines that would talk about different celebrities etc. and slag off their outfits. With this culture it's so easy to judge people, and even now I find myself looking at people wearing something that is not my style and I catch myself thinking "why are they wearing that?". Then I take a second to remind myself that everyone is different, and we all like different things. I'm sure there's plenty of people that dislike my outfits, but as long as I like them then that's all that matters.

Fashion is art, and art is about perception - with unique perception you have the opportunity to create something incredible which others could have never imagined.
That to me, means fashion is much more than clothes, but a piece of who you are transformed into something tangible.


Rach x x x

Second-hand buys

I've always enjoyed going round the charity shops to see what bargains I can find, but this year I've really started to buy second-hand a lot more.

I thought I'd share some of the great second-hand pieces I've picked up over this year, starting with my charity shop finds.

Firstly, this amazing blazer!!! If you follow my Instagram page you'll have seen this already as I am obsessed, it's perfect for work as well as more casual wear. Blazer's have been so on trend this year and I had been on the look out for one that I loved. Every time I'd find nice ones online I could never commit to buying it. I was out for lunch one day with Catrina, on Byres Road, and we decided to pop into a few of the charity shops just to have a look about. As soon as I seen it I feel in love, and when i seen that it was only £4 my decision was made easy. I've already worn it loads, and I know I'll continue to wear it for a long time.

Another absolute bargain I found was a Nike sports bra, in a charity shop in Paisley! Again, i had been out for lunch with Catrina (She definitely has the luck of the Irish), and I was talking about how I'd recently gotten into the gym and needed a sports bra. The first charity shop we went into I found this one, and it was only £2! As it's Nike it's such good quality and I couldn't believe I got it for so cheap. 

As well as charity shops, Depop is a great place to buy second-hand clothes - especially if you're looking for a specific item. 

I really wanted a suit for work, and actually found so many on Depop, I finally managed to decide on one and I am obsessed with it! The style, and the colour is just amazing and so me. It cost £30, which I think is a really good price considering it had only been worn once and is originally from Topshop.

Finally, I just had to show you this cute co-ord! Including the fact it's more sustainable, and cheaper, I also love the original pieces you can find when buying second-hand. I wore this skirt on holiday with a little bandeau top that I already had and it was such a cute look. The top is my favourite, I just love the high neck and the statement sleeves and think it's the perfect top for a nice night out/birthday event etc.
(Don't have any pictures wearing the top, but whenever I do it'll be posted on my Instagram)

Rach x x x 

Scarf World

I was a fashion designer at 10 yeas old.

When I about 10, and Catrina was 7 we used to make each other outfits using scarfs and kirby grips. I can't remember when the game first came about but we soon became obsessed and would play it every Friday. The way we would do it was Catrina would act as my client (lmao) and would ask for an outfit for a specific occasion  e.g. a dress for a fancy ball, and I would create it using our variation of Primark £3 scarfs, and then she would do the same to me.

After we made the outfits we would go on and have a photoshoot using Ann's (Catrina's mum) digital camera. I think we probably took 17943890 photos of each other, making sure to take ones in all the different rooms so we could showcase the outfits in different locations and lighting.

One day Catrina bought a book out The Works that was for designing outfits, and that's when we took this fashion design career to a whole new level. We would spend hours creating so many different looks, deciding on the prices of each piece as well. We had a toy laptop that we'd use to take orders and work on our website, and a diary to go along with it so we could write down when all these famous designers were coming in to see our work. I distinctly remember Coco Chanel coming by one day to purchase a dress, very impressive considering she died in 1971.

As we were still very young we couldn't decide on one career, so opted to become authors as well. We planned to write a trilogy (Beatrice Una Morag aka. Bum) and then we began drawing all the characters and planning their outfits for all the different chapters. Unfortunately  we never got round to actually writing the books, however at least we know what dress Beatrice would have worn to her prom in the third book. SPOILER is was light blue with a red ribbon round the middle, very stylish.

At the time I swear we thought our designs were amazing, and we'd be showing them off to our family. I'm actually gutted that I can't find any of the old pics so you'll just have to imagine the outrageous designs we used to come up with.

Here's one picture of us though, featuring one of the scarfs we'd use for our outfits.

(Pretty sure we were going to use this as our author pic for the back of our books hahaha)

Rach x x x