tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108008668990158183.post8141640377726140988..comments2024-03-27T07:20:26.945+00:00Comments on fashion forestry: Obsession with Indian cultureAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13443635497402057519noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108008668990158183.post-84154424083601159422018-10-25T03:39:39.361+01:002018-10-25T03:39:39.361+01:00So beautiful and eloquent I am mesmerized with you...So beautiful and eloquent I am mesmerized with your words. Much Peace and well being to you. MaryScotchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11897093209235291225noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108008668990158183.post-76794878883089957882013-08-06T04:11:43.985+01:002013-08-06T04:11:43.985+01:00good insight
lee
www.trendone.netgood insight<br /><br /><br />lee<br />www.trendone.netleeshinknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108008668990158183.post-17812824498828365902012-06-27T19:28:19.083+01:002012-06-27T19:28:19.083+01:00Well, I'm two months late to the party but I j...Well, I'm two months late to the party but I just had to say how interesting I've found this discussion! The question of 'appropriate appropriation' has been popping up a lot for me lately. Personally, the world is my textile oyster! As a designer myself, I love sari fabrics, Mexican embroidery, African wax cottons and so much more. My worry is that i don't have quite such a rich culture (at least fabrics wise!) to offer back. Then again, I could always offer up a tartan kilt right?munroboutiquenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108008668990158183.post-4941157538144317822012-05-28T20:25:47.565+01:002012-05-28T20:25:47.565+01:00Hi there Galine, that's interesting that you s...Hi there Galine, that's interesting that you say that. I never knew that Tempura was Portuguese either. Thanks for the post - much appreciated by the way ( <a href="http://www.888bingo.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.888bingo.com</a> ) Enjoy good time gaming :)Brett Chatzhttp://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=735680633noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108008668990158183.post-88014477263977765212012-05-03T20:16:27.573+01:002012-05-03T20:16:27.573+01:00I used to wear a full dashiki (pants, top, and cap...I used to wear a full dashiki (pants, top, and cap) in junior high that my dad brought me back from a missionary trip to West Africa. I thought it was beautiful, so vivid and unique, and you bet I stood out for not looking like an average teen, but I never cared. I have continued to wear African prints throughout my adulthood, and I can’t imagine someone telling me that I can’t wear an article of clothing because I’m not of African descent. I don’t want my wardrobe to be confined to my ethnicity because my personality is so much bigger than that. I think it’s obvious that you are passionate about other cultures, fashion, and about expressing yourself and all your interests through your clothing, and it’s a shame that you were judged unfairly. Crystal Leenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108008668990158183.post-29746206513387929592012-04-30T23:04:10.081+01:002012-04-30T23:04:10.081+01:00I have been reading your blog for years. I know th...I have been reading your blog for years. I know that you have no ill will or ill intentions when you planned this party. Something about the internet makes people hyper-sensitive. There are worst things going on in the world than an indian themed party. Hell I'd have one too if I were as interested in it as you. I wish people would stop telling others how to live their lives. As far as I see it you have a fun beautiful colorful life. ROCK ON GIRL! Oninoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108008668990158183.post-43530482056067015122012-04-30T17:22:47.932+01:002012-04-30T17:22:47.932+01:00You should read this http://makezine.enoughenough....You should read this http://makezine.enoughenough.org/indo.html<br /><br />It often crosses my mind too that appropriation is almost inevitable, but maybe that idea points to our privilege? Our colonialist history has made it possible for us to take something of another culture and strip it away from all its original meaning without giving a damn but maybe it's time for a change and some critical thinking.elinehttp://emu-memu.net/fluffnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108008668990158183.post-930263534471969252012-04-30T14:56:37.877+01:002012-04-30T14:56:37.877+01:00This is a really interesting post, thank you for s...This is a really interesting post, thank you for sharing. It is of course a delicate issue and you have handled it appropriately (by responding and opening up the discussion). Some friends of mine recently had a Japanese themed dinner party and I didn't for a minute consider that it might be deemed offensive either as it came from a place for admiration of Japanese food and culture. <br /><br />(Also this is off topic but if you didn't visit Vintage to Vogue when you were in Bath, I highly recommend it, it's one of my favourite shops back home there) Caroline Rosaliehttp://carolinerosalie.blogspot.co.uk/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108008668990158183.post-1815313052839301962012-04-27T21:20:01.998+01:002012-04-27T21:20:01.998+01:00I think it's beautiful the passion you and you...I think it's beautiful the passion you and your father share about different cultures and I also think it's wonderful you had this party. I see it as a way to celebrate this culture and not offensive at all. I wasn't born in Britain myself but I'm married to an english man and I treasure the culture. I'd feel honoured to see people from other nationalities celebration my culture in such a lovely party as I imagine many Indian people (as your neighbours) were.<br /><br />I've recently found your blog and I'm really enjoying it! xxAna Burgessnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108008668990158183.post-62533670672189969332012-04-27T12:46:42.724+01:002012-04-27T12:46:42.724+01:00Wonderful post Nicole and very well said. One thin...Wonderful post Nicole and very well said. One thing I would add is that when I was working in India I was only ever encouraged to wear traditional dress.<br /> If you also read my post on the Maharini of Jaipur ( Nicole has linked it above) you will see I have mentioned the family of Cooch Behar and have included a picture of Suniti Devi wearing western Edwardian dress. Their family where well known for their love of western culture and for throwing very ' western style' parties. There was so much appropration at that time from both the British and Indian cultures and there still is today. <br />I personally feel confident in the fact that none of the people I worked with in India would be offended by us celebrating their culture in this way. I was only ever encouraged to lean and to be inspired by something that they are so very proud of. Kelly-Marienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108008668990158183.post-47872390477471217672012-04-27T04:39:12.036+01:002012-04-27T04:39:12.036+01:00These fierce politically correct anti-appropriatio...These fierce politically correct anti-appropriation arguments always forget to tell us one thing: where do we draw the line? Should Nicole not buy and eat Indian food from her local area? <br />Should she not be allowed to listen to Ravi Shankar Should she not wear something Indian brought back as a present by her Dad, or by her friend, or given to her by an Indian person? ? what is she wanted to concert to Hindusim - is that acceptable? it is all very well for people so scream 'appropriation', but in practical terms it doesn't work. Nicole has had to write this post justifying herself. Now she has, it should be obvious that her gathering was a tribute to a culture for which she has much love and respect. Janiece Popenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108008668990158183.post-78426245186958296782012-04-27T02:19:24.347+01:002012-04-27T02:19:24.347+01:00 I'm sorry but you can't 'appropriate&... I'm sorry but you can't 'appropriate' Western culture. Being white is not a culture.Georgia Munnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108008668990158183.post-44931422200991444372012-04-26T21:13:32.404+01:002012-04-26T21:13:32.404+01:00 Awesome! I never knew that tempura was taken from... Awesome! I never knew that tempura was taken from the Portuguese! It makes sense though, I always thought "Japan seems so health conscious and this stuff seems so out of place (Although delicious)" haha Thanks for sharing!Galinehttp://la-petite-souris.tumblr.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108008668990158183.post-39832231876985969162012-04-26T21:12:15.639+01:002012-04-26T21:12:15.639+01:00So well written, you have brought up many good poi...So well written, you have brought up many good points that have made me think about the way I respond to certain things I see! It's a reminder to ask questions first, and assess the situation later, to avoid making a fool of ones self (Ex: to just assume you're taking advantage of a culture with such a party, when really you're just honouring something you know a lot about/love so much)<br /><br />Wonderful! Thanks for the post :) Also thanks for posting the link to your beyond brilliant tumblr! Am following now, yay!Galinehttp://la-petite-souris.tumblr.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108008668990158183.post-77688298744158587492012-04-26T20:22:49.965+01:002012-04-26T20:22:49.965+01:00Love you ahhaLove you ahhaNicole Eymardhttp://fashionforestry.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108008668990158183.post-76817897889206326692012-04-26T20:22:31.175+01:002012-04-26T20:22:31.175+01:00Well said, as expected ;)Well said, as expected ;)Nicole Eymardhttp://fashionforestry.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108008668990158183.post-30345891992465258132012-04-26T20:21:23.231+01:002012-04-26T20:21:23.231+01:00THANK YOU!THANK YOU!Nicole Eymardhttp://fashionforestry.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108008668990158183.post-18425498527896900522012-04-26T20:19:39.800+01:002012-04-26T20:19:39.800+01:00People say I look like I am always dressing for Ha...People say I look like I am always dressing for Halloween or special occasions everyday, so I guess this is no different. Not everyone is wearing a Sari. So all the women who wear saris everyday are dressed up? Since you are American Im sure everything seems dressy, I am American, and have been teased my whole life by other Americans saying even looking decent was too dressed up. Im sick of America, and wouldnt ever have an American themed party. I did mix things in my decor. Look at my house! I didnt change my furniture to an Indian decor, the glasses were martini glasses. We drank alcohol, and my friend says no one really drinks alcohol in India unless you have a lot of money etc. whihc means its mixed. You are telling the "queen of mixing weird things and putting them together" to mix, honey I have worn a table runner as a scarf!.... Nicole Eymardhttp://fashionforestry.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108008668990158183.post-21563015490891683102012-04-26T18:41:55.990+01:002012-04-26T18:41:55.990+01:00I am first generation American-Punjabi "half-...I am first generation American-Punjabi "half-breed". My mama is a "white lady" and my father was born a Sikh in Punjab, India. I grew-up with the culture and the food and the clothes of India. I have always woven elements of the culture, especially the fashion and the food, in to my daily life. I am lucky to have an assortment of both traditional and modern Indian fashion in my wardrobe. I do not, however, favor "themed" parties as I see this as a sort-of Halloween-like and would rather that people embrace this fashion in their own way by including elements that make the m feel a part of the culture while sharing some of what is wholly their own. Saris do not lend themselves to this "separates" concept except that I can see myself wearing just the "peticoat" or under-blouse of a sari as a blouse that exposes the mid-drift along with a Chuni or a shawl wrap and a pair of jeans and sandals and some fun "costume" Punjabi bangles. Saris are, to me, formal wear and should be reserved for weddings and other such special occasions but nothing looks as ridiculous as a "white lady" wearing a sari that is not "HER". She must make it her own. I would suggest wearing salwar kameez in full or as separates and pairing the top or the bottom with something elegant to make just the right America-India fashion statement. I love my father's culture and am so grateful to be American and able to choose the manner in which I express myself as a woman through fashion. Why not have a "multi-cultural" AMERICAN themed party. I think that's what modern fashion is all about. It's bout the blending and the creative understanding of the underlying pieces that make the expression all about the wearer. Thanks Alexis--- my Swamp Siren fashion guru<br />Great blog!Karina Tiwanahttp://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=754619592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108008668990158183.post-56675987346861365342012-04-26T18:04:50.049+01:002012-04-26T18:04:50.049+01:00morgan! my little lamb-chop.
girl. you do what yo...morgan! my little lamb-chop.<br /><br />girl. you do what you want. <br />always do what feels right in your heart. Shannon Richterhttp://profiles.google.com/shannon.j.richternoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108008668990158183.post-82079430424405470472012-04-26T17:32:38.032+01:002012-04-26T17:32:38.032+01:00Nicole's style is all about appropriation. She...Nicole's style is all about appropriation. She is constantly appropriating her own western culture from which something new and exciting emerges. It is naive to think that in 2012 there is such thing as a homogenous, static "pure" culture that has yet to be appropriated. ALL culture, including those from India, have appropriated in varies ways to arrive at the here and now. This is especially obvious in our modern times of globalization and imperialism. Her party was not the spectacle you claim it to be. I do agree that there are colonial implications from someone who is white wear something that is non-white, but cultures often appropriate in reciprocal terms. Do not be so ethnocentric. Did I mention that I really dislike the obsession with political correctness?Lousylilynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108008668990158183.post-58231554117787584132012-04-26T17:29:05.499+01:002012-04-26T17:29:05.499+01:00I'm glad Maria brought up the Tempura history....I'm glad Maria brought up the Tempura history. I always think of that when I hear people criticizing cultural appropriation. So many great foods wouldn't exist without it! And I'm only talking about foods because the foods I happen to love are a cultural mishmash like sushi and French/Vietnamese fusion. I like that you bolded "progress" because there is that potential with an open mind, free trade of ideas/culture, etc. It might be a hot-button topic now too because of the internet. It's so easy now to research and borrow ideas/aesthetics from other cultures, and people are afraid of losing their heritage to Westernization. It's a very interesting and obviously very current and relevant debate and I'm glad you wrote this post! Mary Van Notehttp://twitter.com/maryvannotesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108008668990158183.post-7427367419718636532012-04-26T17:24:49.483+01:002012-04-26T17:24:49.483+01:00Hello!
I love that you took the time to so fully...Hello! <br /><br />I love that you took the time to so fully address the commenters criticisms, which I found problematic in that they seemed to indicate a direct connection between "appropriation" and "exploitation" which simply doesn't exist. On an emotional / reactionary level, I get where they're coming from - it's the wince I make when I see blond-haired blue-eyed girls traipsing around Coachella in traditional Mexican dresses, but I also understand that appropriation is a part of mainstream culture now, there's no real reason to be offended, and there's especially no reason to be offended on behalf of a culture to which you don't belong.Christina Catherine Martineznoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108008668990158183.post-26933051741027653592012-04-26T16:08:56.263+01:002012-04-26T16:08:56.263+01:00Thank you :)Thank you :)Nicole Eymardhttp://fashionforestry.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108008668990158183.post-38414223111487567872012-04-26T16:08:40.424+01:002012-04-26T16:08:40.424+01:00Thank you for taking the time to write this. And ...Thank you for taking the time to write this. And thank you for being a faithful follower :) Thank you for sharing the Tempura history, it is really interesting. I really agree with your full comment. I too actually think the comment was a good comment as well since we did get to talk about this. its just too bad that the person had to assume things, and also agree with what you said here: <br /> I think it's just as wrong to assume, that a person is not educated or that their intentions are terrible just because they choose to "reappropriate an image" in a certain way.Nicole Eymardhttp://fashionforestry.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.com