CULTURAL CURIOSITY

Cheongsam designer and founder of Hong Kong fashion brand Sparkle Karen Chan goes head-to-head with French Tunisian stylist and fashion commentator Osama Chabbi in this month’s great debate

Is cultural appropriation ever acceptable in fashion? KAREN CHAN YES “Cultural appropriation in fashion is a complex and sensitive issue. Culture is created by people—and it is forever evolving as people are exposed to new ideas and practices. Fashion is also like that: it is an expression of culture. My brand Sparkle has always fused eastern and western aesthetics, and different cultural elements in its designs. I am always mindful of what is acceptable and what is taboo, to ensure that the elements—symbols, colours and styles—I use are appropriate and will not be offensive or disrespectful to anyone. Everyone loves beautiful things, so whether cultural appropriation is acceptable or not in fashion depends on how you approach it. When you treat culture with respect and sensitivity, and when all is…

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Tatler Hong Kong (Digital) - 1 Issue, September 2023

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