The term “cultural appropriation” has been tossed around more often than usual as of late, thanks to a rising trend among stars and designers who seek to shock their audiences. It’s a problem many are unaware of when they see their favorite celebrities wearing burkas and headdresses, which gradually turns culturally significant items into passing trends.
Although this issue has been around for decades, being popularized by icons such as Madonna and Isabella Blow, recent events have made us wonder: where do we draw the line between inspired and offensive? Here’s a list of fashion mishaps that will help us find out.


Anonymous
Great article! I really appreciate the acceptance and acknowledgement of this as an offensive and negative thing, as opposed to just a side effect of fashion like many other blogs like to pretend. As a person of color myself, it’s definitely uncomfortable to see what I and my friends have been made fun of being made acceptable and “trendy” by (commonly) white celebrities/fashion designers.
April 16, 2013 | 8:07 pm