Welcome to the Old World New presents: “Cultural Appreciation, Not Appropriation” Series!
I am a lover of the vast cultures of our old world, and over the years I’m blessed to have been exposed to so many different cultures. From television programs like MTV Tres, to studying abroad in Italy, to being a board and dance team member for African and Caribbean student organizations at my university – I am over-enthused when it comes to learning about how people from all over the world live their lives, and the history that influences it. Coming from a lower income background, often times when people express interest in something that is not normal to their surrounding, they are considered “weird.” Well, I’ve been considered weird, alright, but my family indulged in my “weirdness” and nurtured it. We may not have had much money, but love, compassion and faith in my inner calling from my family has definitely been a driving force in blossoming into my true self. Combining my love of different cultures with my love of fashion, style and thrifting, I have discovered so many different cultural clothing items at thrift stores, and I love to incorporate them as outfit inspiration.
Essentially, this series will be like mini-essays with style and/or design photos sharing how to appreciate cultures that we love to emulate, instead of just appropriating them. To appreciate them, we must have some sort of knowledge about them. I believe that it is culture, not race, that really sets us apart. I am “black,” as the world would define me. But my Arkansas and Texas black is very different from people who I’ve been asked about being associated with. Apparently I look Etrurian when I hang out with my friends that were born and raised in different countries from across the vast continent of Africa. Our cultures are what make us unique. I choose to celebrate, not shun, our uniqueness. I hope that you will celebrate it with me!
Before we get into the style, I’d like to preface it by saying this:
Diversity is the spice of life. I love pulling influence from different cultures. The easy access to knowledge of different peoples’ heritages has helped shaped me to be who I am today. Therefore, I practice love, not hate. I practice cultural appreciation, not cultural appropriation. Learn about and have respect for the cultures that you seek to emulate – you’ll be happy that you opened your mind to “a whole new world” (I hope you sang that in your Jasmine & Aladdin voice, because I did!).
ps – this was my spill. Following Cultural Appreciation posts will be all about the fashion, with a link back to this for all who want to read it!
Style: Head Wrap
In contemporary times, many African American women who wear their hair free of chemical alteration wear what we call “head wraps.” Sometimes it is just a method to prevent frizzing and breakage overnight, and sometime we wear them in a stylish fashion.
Culture: Influences
African Geles
Africa within itself contains numerous cultures, and they have several different headdress traditions, but I will only focus on one. The best info I could find on geles and head wraps was on wikipedia, and it says that they are worn in west Africa day to day, and in large ceremonial fashion at weddings, church events and special events.
gele via 3d looks makeup
Islamic Headdress
Islamic headdress has been commercialized to be seen as oppressive. I will not say that oppression does not exist in some Islamic cultures, but I will ask, what culture do you know that is free of oppression of a particular group of people because of an attribute they hold that is seen as inferior? Don’t worry, I’ll wait. *Katt Williams voice* Delving into the history and recent advances in Islamic headdress will show you that many women love their culture and make art out of their traditional fashion customs. I follow a lady on instagram who is always on point with her outfits, and she never goes without her headdress. Herman Nuari is a modern Islamic fashion head dress designer, and his creations are nothing short of glorious.
Islamic headdress by Herman Nuari via “Islamic Fashion“
Old World New: Head Wrap Fashion Interpretation
I purchased this large piece of colorful fabric from a thrift store for $5. It was sorted to be with bed linen because of its size, but I noticed that it was next to a pink Sari, so I imagine, due to its size, that it served as a sari, too. I had no idea what I wanted to do with it, but originally I thought it would make a cute picnic blanket – until one day I was having a bad hair day and needed a stylish headdress! It saved the day, and it was beautiful, so I wear it on good and bad hair days now, simply as a fashion statement. The statement? I look beautiful in this head wrap! It turned out beautifully, and I feel pride in acknowledging the cultures that have embraced it before me.
Now do it yourself! See how to get your cultural appreciation on below.
xoxo, dolls & dudes
Absolutely stunningly beautiful!
Thank you so much, Jalise!! 🙂
I absolutely love this! To the point, I’m thankful that you went into the history of fashion, rather than focusing solely on aesthetics. I feel like there is much more substance to it, especially when you are connecting the history of another culture to your own via “weirdness”.
I’m looking forward to more CA articles! Prayers to you!
Evan, thank you so much! I have so many more of these in my mind so I hope to churn them out pretty quickly for the Old World New community! 🙂 Architecture history (Goodstein & Kim & Tahar) really showed me the importance of knowing the history, and besides that, my love for historic preservation has done the same. I’m just applying it to a new field!! 🙂
Love it. It’s so important to respect, appreciate, and celebrate other cultures different from ours!
It is so very important, Chelsea. Thank you! 🙂
I love this!!! Such a neat post, and beautiful colors!
xx Bri
http://www.Neutral2Neon.com
Thank you, Briana! 🙂
Love it! Your scarf is so lovely and I love the way it looks on you. Those colors are beautiful.
Thank you, Kayleigh! The colors drew me in to it immediately! 🙂
Addie, that sari repurposed as a headwrap is incredible. I’m always looking for new ways to tie headwraps, so thanks for doing the pictorial.
My long scarves (that I would ordinarily wear to keep warm/as an accessory to compliment an outfit, often stay in the wardrobe because I’m wondering how I could tie them, but you’ve solved that for me!
Hollie, I am so glad that this post is for YOU! That makes me so happy because that is my goal. Get to rocking those head wraps and scarves, girlfriend!!! 🙂
thanks for this post!! I love this look, especially on you 🙂 Fashion history is one of my favorite subjects:)
elle
Southern Elle Style
Thank you, Elle!! I’m obsessed with architecture history, now I’m branching out into fashion, too! 🙂
Absolutely love this look, and the fact that you take time out to learn more about the culture! It’s stunning.
Thank you, Liz! I have more informational and beautiful posts like this in store, I hope you check them out, too! 🙂
This is beautiful. Thank you for sharing a bit of cultural history with us. You look fantastic!
Cameron Proffitt
You’re so welcome, Cameron. Thank you! 🙂
wow – LOVE this post. You look super chic and fabulous!
xx, Karen
Glam Karen
Thanks so much, Karen!! 🙂
Loved this post as it’s different and unique AND taught me something so major kudos! Each look looks fantastic and I do enjoy the colors! Thanks so much for sharing! xx
Thank you, Adaleta! I’m so glad you took something away from the informational portion, too!! 🙂
That is sooooo cute! I want one!
Wow, this is amazing…I can’t believe how you got all of that material into a headwrap knotted up like that…incredible and your step by step would be so easy for someone to follow!
xo,
Brooke | KBStyled
Oh I love this!!! Such bright fun colors! I’ve wrapped my hair like this before to sleep to help with the curl! I need some fun prints like this!!! Thanks for giving us great insight!
xoxo,
Monica
http://www.thestyledwife.com
This is going to be such a great series. So many people don’t understand the difference between appreciation and appropriation. I look forward to what’s next and I love the wrap!!
I love me a good head wrap! It’s such an effortless style and it has such deep roots. I need to expand my scarf collection. I love the way you’re rocking your wrap, you look amazing!
Wow, you look absolutely stunning in this head wrap and I really appreciate your slogan about how you “practice cultural appreciation, not cultural appropriation.” It’s a fine line and you are such an inspiration at appreciating other cultures in a respectful way!
Fabulous lady!! This is so beautiful!!
Sportsanista
Love this! I think it is so important to embrace and appreciate other cultures style!
http://www.amemoryofus.com
I love this!! Such a great way to add to your style and teach your readers!! I can’t wait to see what you do next!!
xoxo
Brooke
LOVE this post! I always find cultural appropriation v appreciation to be really tricky, especially with where we are in history in regards to race relations. Thanks for actually showing some of the history of these headwraps – and you look AMAZING in yours by the way!!!
xoxo
This wrap looks so beautiful on you and I loved this post so much! I think this is something we have definitely been missing in the blogging world. All the hate that surrounds us is just because we don’t know enough about each other so thank you for this!
xoxo AManda
Seriously, I do not have enough words to explain how much joy this series brings me. I’m looking forward to the future installments.
I love that this fabric was a thrift find and you were able to use it for such a beautiful purpose.
You look gorgeous in this and the color is great on you too!
Wow, this scarf is absolutely stunning!! i love that you took the time to research this. you’re combining two of my favorite things! History + Fashion.
xoxo, Elena Michelle
http://www.anewyorkloveaffair.com
So much awesomeness! What a fabulous thrift store find–and you look beautiful in it!
you look stunning in this head wrap. i love your talent in taking fabric and turning it into something so gorgeous.
This is absolutely stunning and such an informative post. Thank you for sharing!
What a cool post! I think it is such a good subject to post on- I love this. And I LOVE the print on there! Too cute!
simplypoisedfashion.com
Thank you, Rachel! Stay tuned for more, soon! ☺️
Thank you for posting about this! It was really interesting to learn the history behind the head wrap!
Hannah Shanae
hannahshanae.com
Such an important distinction to make between appropriation and appreciation!
I really love the look!