Last September I traveled to London to cover Africa Fashion Week London as a media partner. I wanted to see what was good with fashion from the African Diaspora and I'm so over New York Fashion Week.
I don't care what Kendall or Gigi is wearing. The coverage of NYFW is so saturated and unoriginal. What's good with the other models like, Maria Borges, Grace Mahary, Leomie Anderson, and Diandra Forrest? And I will never forget when Who What Wear snapped the worst snapchat story talking about, "look at the Black model and she closed the show." That was such an insensitive caption and white privilege at its best.
Now, I’m seeing Stella McCartney’s latest Spring/Summer 2018 collection featuring clothes with the Ankara print — the bright, vibrant patterns linked to African culture. I’m not impressed. This is totally cultural appropriation. And I normally like Stella’s designs, she features sharp tailoring and her refusal to use leather or fur is just part of a commitment to leading “a responsible, honest, and modern company.”
But the sheer Beckery of using the ankara print in her new collection doesn’t align with Stella’s commitment. And then she had one Black model during her show.
The caucacity!
What really grinds my gears is the fact that the designers I saw showing in London during Africa Fashion Week London are struggling to make it. Some have even said that the Ankara print will never have commercial appeal because it’s too loud. How could one wear a blouse with Ankara print to work?
I’ll tell you how, you have a white girl wear it.
I really wish that African culture can be appreciated and respected without being appropriated.