Jeoffrey Mukubi
- …cry cultural appropriation
In the latest Instagram row, many Namibians have voiced their opinion on the newly launched Emporio Armani Summer Spring 2022 fashion collection.
The main grievance is that the new collection, specifically their striped knitted jersey and midi skirt, which is available for purchase on the Armani website for over N$15 000 per set may be culturally appropriating the traditional pink and red Oshiwambo ‘Odelela’ attire without crediting or captioning where the style of the clothing originated from.
Personalities and ordinary Namibians alike then commented on the now-viral post some saying that it may be just a coincidence, but many others rebutting saying that an elite fashion house like Armani adopted the fashion, iconography and style from the Namibian culture and selling the clothing as an original design.
“You guys are appropriating an indigenous culture in Namibia with those colour patterns. Did y’all ask or give credit where it’s due,” @alex.gottfried wrote.
Another Namibian “@_ndapewa wrote “Who said it’s only for Aawambo people of Namibia? Written where? Let’s talk,”.
This is not the first time that artists or companies are accused of allegedly stealing from Namibian cultures. Local kwaito star EES has in the past been blasted for cultural appropriation on the basis of him making kwaito music but being of German descent.
