Mexico Accuses Carolina Herrera Of Cultural Appropriation

2024 Author: Steven Freeman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 08:15

Just a few months ago, Carolina Herrera permanently retired from the catwalks and creative direction of the firm that bears her name and gave her throne to the young designer Wes Gordon, who had previously worked in houses such as Óscar de la Renta and Tom Ford.

Shortly after presenting their latest Resort 2020 collection, the American designer and legendary fashion brand face tremendous controversy after Mexico's secretary of culture, Alejandra Frausto, has written to the firm directly accusing it of cultural appropriation and having used designs created by indigenous Mexican communities.

From the brand's website they explain that the collection is inspired by the cheerful and colorful spirit of a Latin vacation. "Inspired by the signature joy of living that is synonymous with the holiday season, this collection features prints that evoke eclectic delight, unexpected silhouettes, and vibrant energy."

As reported by the Reuters news agency, Frausto has sent a letter addressed directly to the designer and the founder of the brand in which he requires them to explain based on what they decided to make use of these indigenous cultural elements and in which they also ask if There will be an economic return on their sales for these communities.

The news has already gone around the world and has generated a debate on networks where a hashtag (#Mexicosinplagio) has been created in protest against the cultural appropriation of which one of the countries with the greatest textile tradition in the world is a victim.

The senator from Oaxaca, Susana Harp, has published a speech through the networks in which she explains that there are ways to honor the original designs of indigenous communities, as Carolina Herrera herself did in a collection of bags that she launched in 2015 collaborating with Mexican tribes.

And to you, what do you think of the controversy?