Fashion Week London: Exotik Verboten

PETER

You need 3 min read

·

Post on Nov 30, 2024

36 visitor like this post

Share

Fashion Week London: Exotik Verboten? A Personal Take

Okay, so Fashion Week London. I've been going for, like, ten years now – and this year? Man, it was intense. The whole "Exotik Verboten" vibe was, well, everywhere. I mean, not literally everywhere, but it was definitely a thing. And honestly? It kinda messed with my head.

What Does "Exotik Verboten" Even Mean in Fashion?

Before I dive into my personal drama, let's talk about what this whole "Exotik Verboten" even means. It's this whole conversation about cultural appropriation, right? Using elements from other cultures without understanding or respecting their origins. Think cheap knock-offs of traditional garments, using sacred symbols as mere fashion statements... stuff like that. It's a super complex issue, and honestly, I’m still learning. I’ve made mistakes, big ones, and I’ll tell you about them in a sec.

I remember one show, this big-name designer, he had a whole collection inspired by, I think it was, South African Ndebele beadwork. Looked stunning, really stunning. But, there was something off. It felt… superficial. Like he just plucked images from Google and slapped them onto his designs without any real connection to the culture. You know?

And this isn't just about pretty clothes; it's about power dynamics. It's about who gets to profit from whose culture, and who gets to decide what’s "trendy" and what's not. It's a tough conversation, and sometimes it feels like nobody’s really getting it right.

My Big Fashion Faux Pas

I'll be honest, I've definitely stumbled in this area myself. A few years ago, I styled a shoot using some seriously gorgeous Native American-inspired jewelry. I thought it looked amazing; my client loved it. The photos were fire, seriously, you could’ve framed them and sold them. But then I got some really harsh feedback online. People pointed out the lack of context, the potential for disrespect. Ouch. It stung.

I felt like a total idiot. I learned a really expensive lesson that day. It wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was about cultural sensitivity and respecting the origins of the pieces I was using.

Practical Tips for Navigating "Exotik Verboten"

So, what did I learn? Well, first, do your research. Don't just Google images; actually learn about the culture you're drawing inspiration from. Read books, watch documentaries, talk to people from that community. Seriously. Don’t be lazy.

Secondly, seek collaboration. Instead of just "borrowing," collaborate with artists and designers from the cultures you're interested in. This way, you're not only showing respect, but also supporting their work and ensuring accurate representation.

Third, be mindful of your language. Avoid using exoticizing or stereotypical terms when describing your work. Instead, focus on the artistry, craftsmanship, and cultural significance of the pieces. Again, don't be lazy!

The Takeaway

"Exotik Verboten" isn’t about shutting down creativity; it’s about being responsible and respectful. It's about understanding that fashion is a powerful tool, and we have a responsibility to use it ethically. It's a complex topic, and I'm still learning, but I'm committed to making better choices, to doing better. Maybe I can even help you avoid some of the pitfalls I’ve fallen into. What do you think? Let’s discuss this further in the comments.