✨ Let’s get into it ✨
💡 TLDR
Fast fashion is stealing our heritage, turning traditional designs into luxury items without credit. It’s cultural theft, not trendiness—like selling your grandma’s recipes as a fancy dish.
The vibes are immaculate with that mango print dress you saw on TikTok—until you realize it’s not just a trend, it’s a cultural theft. I found these mannequins in a fast fashion store in Germany, and holy hell, it’s like our heritage is being flipped into a high-end luxury bag. The dress? Paisley, but it’s not Scottish—it’s Indian/Persian, and it’s been around for millennia. The skirt? Block prints from India, an ancient art form. The necklace? A rudkrash mala, a sacred Hindu prayer bead. All of it? Now being sold for way more than it’s worth in the West, and it’s killing me.
Here’s the thing: We’re not against the West loving our designs. But when brands like Gucci rebrand kolhapuri chappals as “innovation,” they erase the town of Kolhapur, the artisans, and the centuries of tradition. Same with that Scandinavian scarf—minimally chic? Sure. But it’s built on a history of discrimination against South Asians who wore colorful clothes like salwars and sarees. Our culture has survived 200+ years of colonialism, and now it’s being monetized without credit. Bangladeshi textile workers, Chinese laborers—everyone’s getting exploited, and it’s all for a “new” look.
I’m not gatekeeping, but I do believe in respect. I wear jeans and western skirts, but I know they’re not Indian. Why should our cultural symbols be treated differently? The rudkrash mala, for example, is religious—it’s made from a specific tropical tree, used in meditation. Now it’s a hippie accessory, chanted over without a second thought. We’ve been mocked for bindis and sindoor for decades, and now our spirituality’s a fashion statement. It’s exhausting.
So here’s my hot take: If you love ethnic wear, support Indian vendors. Not just because it’s ethical, but because it’s cool. Learn the origins of the patterns you’re flaunting. And if you’re into that rudkrash mala, maybe read up on its meaning before slinging it on your neck.
💫 So next time you spot that paisley print, are you going to ask where it’s from—or just swipe right.
So next time you spot that paisley print, are you going to ask where it’s from—or just swipe right?
❓ People Also Ask
Are Indian traditional clothes being copied by Western brands?
Yes, many Western brands copy Indian traditional clothes, rebranding them as their own. This often erases the cultural and artisan origins of these designs.
What is the impact of cultural appropriation on Indian fashion?
Cultural appropriation in fashion strips Indian designs of their heritage, profits from them without credit, and undermines the livelihoods of local artisans and communities.
💬 What do you think? Let us know in the comments! 👇