Gigi Hadid and the Tightrope of Cultural Appropriation: When Do Trends Become Offensive?
- Editorial Team
- Oct 8, 2024
- 3 min read
Let’s be honest, we’ve all been there. Scrolling through Instagram, lusting after the latest trend. A new way to tie a scarf, maybe. Or, in Gigi Hadid’s case, a hairstyle that landed her in hot water. Again.
This time, it was locs. The image, for a Vogue Italia cover no less, sparked immediate backlash. Accusations of cultural appropriation, of a privileged white woman profiting off a hairstyle deeply ingrained in Black culture. And it wasn’t the first time Hadid found herself in this position. Remember the chopsticks and the Buddha cookie?
It begs the question: when does a fun trend cross the line into something offensive? Where does appreciation end and appropriation begin?
Fashion, by its very nature, thrives on inspiration. Designers, stylists, even us regular folks flipping through magazines – we’re all looking for that next big thing. But there’s a difference between drawing inspiration and straight-up copying, between appreciating a culture and treating it like a costume to be discarded when it’s no longer “on trend.”
Think about it. How many times have you seen a traditionally marginalized culture’s clothing or hairstyles suddenly become “cool” when worn by a celebrity or featured in a high-fashion spread? Then, just as quickly, it’s gone. The very people who originated the style, who have lived with it as part of their identity for generations, are often left out of the conversation, their voices drowned out by the roar of the mainstream.
And that’s where privilege comes in. Someone like Gigi Hadid, with her platform and influence, can wear a hairstyle like locs and face criticism, sure, but ultimately, it doesn’t define her. She can move on to the next trend, the next photoshoot, with barely a scratch. But for many within the Black community, locs are more than just a hairstyle. They’re a statement of identity, of resilience, sometimes even of spirituality. They can be subject to discrimination, to prejudice, to real-world consequences that someone like Hadid will likely never face.
This isn’t to say that we should shy away from engaging with other cultures. Quite the opposite. Learning about different traditions, styles, and perspectives is what makes the world interesting. But it’s about how we do it.
It’s about doing the work. Educating ourselves. Understanding the history and significance behind the things we’re drawn to. It’s about supporting designers and creators from those cultures, amplifying their voices instead of speaking over them. It’s about asking ourselves: am I appreciating this culture, or am I exploiting it?
The fashion industry, with its massive influence, has a responsibility here. It needs to move beyond tokenism, beyond simply casting a wider net for models. It needs to champion diverse voices at every level, from the design studio to the boardroom. It needs to be mindful of the stories it tells and the images it portrays.
And as consumers, we have power too. We can choose to support brands that prioritize inclusivity and cultural sensitivity. We can call out appropriation when we see it. We can use our voices, even in small ways, to demand better.
Because ultimately, it’s not about policing creativity or shutting down inspiration. It’s about respect. It’s about recognizing that what might seem like a fleeting trend to some can hold deep cultural significance for others. And it’s about ensuring that everyone feels seen, heard, and valued, both on the runway and beyond.
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