Tribal-Inspired Fashion

re: Tribal-Inspired Fashion

Kate Wilson — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 18:05:17 GMT

Dear Firecat,

The term "tribal" refers to something of, relating to, or characteristic of a tribe, according to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary. It best describes the style that is imitated in these fashions, which were inspired by tribal patterns and art from all over the world, not just Native American tribes. It is common practice in the art world to borrow elements from other artworks that we appreciate. I never meant to offend anyone, and I think it's wonderful that the artwork of people all over the world is being celebrated in current fashion trends.

Respectfully,

Kate Wilson

re: Tribal-Inspired Fashion

firecat — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 23:45:10 GMT

I'm uncomfortable with the title of this blog post, "Tribal-Inspired Fashion," because of the long history of white people appropriating Native lands, religious iconography, and art designs. I know that the author of the book you're promoting is of Choctaw descent, so I'm not objecting to the book. But I don't get the impression that the "inspirational" images used in the post were made by tribal people or that tribal people benefit from those items. Particularly, several of the links are from Anthropologie and Free People. Those sites are associated with Urban Outfitters, which has a long history of wrongful appropriation of Native designs (and lying about it).

newsfeed.time.com/.../urban-outfitters-taken-to-task-for-faux-navajo-products

re: Tribal-Inspired Fashion

D.M.Z — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 19:01:52 GMT

Kate, nice examples, I didn't expect to like them that much. I've always been drawn to tribal patterns from various countries. Donna