#how is mick the one wearing the most modest outfit?

[waugh-bao]

Charlie, Mick, and Keith take a break from recording to enjoy the outdoors (mid-1990s)

[k1419842-ammp]

SESSION 3 (Q3): ARE CAMPAIGNS AGAINST CULTURE APPROPRIATION DESTROYING THE ARTS AND BY EXTENSION THE CREATIVE INDUSTRIES?

In many cases, people in society often fall in the bad habit of making mistakes when crossing the line of culture appropriation, but some with good intentions behind the actions, whilst others take the ‘mick’ out of the culture.

As many of us individuals are now embracing various of features in different cultures, some for the good cases, and the rest for the bad cases. I personally believe that the outcomes of this consequence is down to two main reasons - a) fashion industries, and b) celebrities. 

A lot of campaigns have to be updated with news around the world, especially knowing how to interact with the public. It is important for each campaign to analyse the behaviour of the public when being given information, in which they can predict the similar outcome when providing information to the public. 

I believe due to the development of technology, it has created a huge platform for the public to be engaging and seeing more of many other cultures. For instance, many people follow their favourite celebrities or new trends, in which they are more likely to facsimile and disable to reflect on how people of the culture feel about it. 

However, this topic is not a case of black and white, as it is very complex to understand as there are many sides to the case. For one fact, I do know that there are a major of campaigns that are against culture appropriation but sometimes have a tricky way of getting the message across when trying to embrace the element in the one’s culture. 

Some can argue that celebrities are allowed to embrace their culture, but that doesn’t mean that it is their fault for creating this culture appropriation - whereas the public are to be the one to be blamed for, due to their social activities in encouraging the culture appropriation. 

Whilst there are other campaigns, especially in the fashion industries that tend to cross over the line with presenting a religion element into a fashion statement. 

Following up with an example of a fashion industry that has been involved in encouraging the culture appropriation, using one of Islamic roots, hijabs on models who weren't a Muslim - this action has offended a whole population of Muslims to the extent that these fashion industries has shown no care for their religion. [1]

The majority of Muslim women raised the awareness that it is not right to take something away from a religion and take away the meaning away, just for the sake of fashion statement. 

“Wearing a hijab is not simply a fashion choice - it is a commitment to a modest way of life. If it is worn by a supermodel in a revealing outfit, this religious meaning is lost”.

(IMAGE & INFORMATION FROM THE LINK: 

http://www.dazeddigital.com/fashion/article/39354/1/the-fashion-industry-fetishising-the-hijab-aw18-runways-headscarves-trend-islam )

It seems like there are a lot of culture appropriation occurring in fashion industries, or mainly by celebrities who use one of the culture’s roots into costumes to show off their “so called creative skill”. [2]

The majority of culture appropriation are normally targeted on black people, where so many other celebrities have used a lot of their roots, and projected it onto themselves as a way of a new fashion trend, whereas this takes the meaning behind of their roots away, and real emotional effects that black people have been dealing with, in term of facing negative comments. Again, celebrities have showed no sympathy or care toward the black people. 

Indian culture has also been a source of culture appropriation as “style inspiration” for celebrities, especially wearing a bindi on their foreheads, or wearing an Indian traditional outfit, without having any knowledge of the whole content of the culture. 

Selena Gomez, a well known singer, she worn a red dress along with a bindi on her forehead at her concert, stating that her look was a “glam tribal”. Again, this is an example of culture appropriation. 

(LINK OF IMAGE: 

https://www.elitedaily.com/entertainment/celebrity/beyonce-miley-cyrus-culture-appropriation-indian-hinduism-buddhism/1894872)

And lastly, another music artist, Iggy Azalea has created a music video that has displayed the Indian culture being appropriated in the entire video where Iggy has used the Indian culture as a prop to sell in her music video, 

(YOUTUBE’S URL OF BOUCE MUSIC VIDEO BY IGGY AZALEA:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cI1A405jBqg)

Culture is NOT something that an individual should translate into different forms, which then take away the original meaning. It is offensive for the people of the culture. Bearing in mind, it is ACCEPTABLE to wear any traditional outfit whilst having a knowledge of how to use it in a CORRECT WAY. 

Overall, most of the campaigns that are against the culture appropriation have mentioned that it is a struggle to get their message across when it comes to displaying one of the cultures. However, many would said that it is a complex action to challenge the racisms in today’s society. As much as it is complex to discuss about this content - in many industries, individuals will have to take these rules in consideration for equal rights and universal values. [3]

The saddest consequence is that nowadays in our society, there are individuals who may have thought they were showing their commitment to their culture have been charged with exploiting the cultures of ethnic minorities. [4]

 In 2017, an artist, Dana Schutz created an artwork of a young black boy named Emmet Till who has been brutally murdered in 1995, for flirting with a white woman. Schutz’s work has been “criticised for perceived racial insensitivity”. [5]

Dana Schutz’s artwork has offended many in the black community, and have expressed why this piece of artwork was not acceptable. It has created a debate based on the issues that many artists are destroying arts by using one of the cultures’ roots, or discriminating their culture.

A black artist, Hannah Black has voiced their criticism and made it very clear in the debate that Dana Schutz should not have perceived racial insensitivity throughout her piece of art. Hannah Black’s quote in supporting her debate: 

“It is not acceptable for a white person to transmute Black suffering into profit and fun, though the practice has been normalized for a long time.” [5]

In the end, the campaigns has closed Dana Schutz’s exhibition, as the outcome of the situation - punishing the artist for portraying ‘Black American History’. [4]

Due to this event, it has questioned every artist when it comes to producing their piece of works to the public, as to the extent where they don’t want to come across as someone who disrespects any ethnic minorities, because they could get into troubles with the authority of the culture, or be accessed of stealing their culture. [4]

In conclusion, I personally think that there are still a lot to speak on - as culture appropriation is a very sensitive object to discuss about, because it is not something that should be considered lightly as it is very personal to the people of the cultures. It is very essential to be very careful when mentioning about one’s culture.

REFERENCES:

[1] “Dazed Digital - Is The Fashion Industry Fetishising The Hijab” (12th March 2018) Available at: http://www.dazeddigital.com/fashion/article/39354/1/the-fashion-industry-fetishising-the-hijab-aw18-runways-headscarves-trend-islam (Accessed: 5th November 2018)

[2] “Elite Daily - Celebrities Who Have Appropriated Indian Culture” (8th May 2017) Available at: https://www.elitedaily.com/entertainment/celebrity/beyonce-miley-cyrus-culture-appropriation-indian-hinduism-buddhism/1894872 (Accessed: 5th November 2018)

[3] “Opinion | In Defense Of Culture Appropriation - The New York Times” (14th June 2017) Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/14/opinion/in-defense-of-cultural-appropriation.html?smid=fb-nytopinion&smtyp=cur (Accessed:5th November 2018)

[4] “Will Campaigns Against Cultural Appropriation Destroy The Arts - Battle Of Ideas 2017″(2017) Available at: https://www.battleofideas.org.uk/2017/session/will-campaigns-against-cultural-appropriation-destroy-the-arts/ (Accessed: 5th November 2018)

[5]”Dana Schutz’s “Open Casket”: A Controversy Around A Painting As A Symptom Of An Art World Malady | Spike Art Magazine”(2017) Available at: https://www.spikeartmagazine.com/en/articles/dana-schutzs-open-casket-controversy-around-painting-symptom-art-world-malady (Accessed: 5th November 2018)

[fashiontrendin-blog]

9 Timeless Summer Looks From Men’s Style Icons

http://fashion-trendin.com/9-timeless-summer-looks-from-mens-style-icons/

9 Timeless Summer Looks From Men’s Style Icons

Men have long been dogged by our clunky approach to summer dressing. Too much of the wrong thing, too little of the right, and don’t even get us started on the moves blokes break out on foreign shores.

Of course, we’re not all in the same boat (especially when it comes to JFK and his yacht). So here, with the help of eight timeless men’s style icons, is how to nail every look you could possibly need this season, all without breaking a sweat.

Preppy Harry

Clint Eastwood

It’s a safe bet to assume that none of us are (or ever will be) even half as cool as Clint Eastwood, but that’s no reason not to try.

Although perhaps best known to millennials as the guy that spawned a Gorillaz song, in his heyday the Man with No Name made summer dressing look more good, than bad or ugly.

Take a leaf out of his book and play preppy the right way. That means no fire engine red chinos or loose-fitting powder pink Oxford shirts with upturned collars. Instead, pop on a a slim-fitting polo in a colour that hasn’t been tainted by Rahs, and wear with regular-fitting trousers to skillfully walk that smart-casual line. Cool, clean, classic.

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The Godfather

Marlon Brando

Marlon Brando’s unfussy style – comprising mainly T-shirts, trousers and crew neck jumpers – should, in theory, be universally achievable. In practice though, without leading man looks and Stanley Kowalski guns, it’s hard to make such basic pieces look as good as he did.

But just because you can’t smoulder as effectively, doesn’t mean there aren’t a few timeless pairings to take away here. Provided you nail the fit of both (slim but not chest-hugging up top and a straight- or slim-leg below), the result is guaranteed to transcends trends – it’s positively Facebook-proof.

If you really want to nail the Mr Mumbles uniform, you’ll need to consider quality. Any old misshapen white T-shirt and baggy-kneed jeans won’t cut the mustard, so opt for the best materials you can afford.

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POTUS Style

JFK

Believe it or not, but there once was a time when the Office of the President of the United States was occupied by arguably the most stylish man on earth.

You only need to look as far as JFK to see that the commander-in-chief also commanded an impeccable selection of Ivy League style staples and clean-cut classics that wouldn’t look out of place today.

Outside of The Oval Office, the 35th president did his best work on a yacht. Offset only by his trademark Wayfarer sunglasses, Jacky Boy made pulling off all-white boat outfits look a breeze, pairing a now on-trend Cuban collar shirt with relaxed-fit chinos and tonal sneakers. Take note, Trump.

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The King Of Cool

Steve McQueen

Is there a man more celebrated for his style than Steve McQueen? It might have become something of a menswear cliché to praise the actor’s ability to pull together a damn fine outfit, but hey, there’s no smoke without fire.

The key to Bandito’s eternal appeal is his appreciation of simplicity. Tap some of his style nous by looking to a surprisingly modest combination: a long-sleeved linen shirt and some dark, neutral shorts. However, it’s imperative you get the fit of the shorts right – too loose, and you’re a member of a nineties boy band, too tight, and you’re suddenly on the set of some trashy reality TV show.

For a little extra McQueen-inspired magic, shade your eyes in a pair of Persol 0714s – the sunglasses that made the actor’s turn in The Thomas Crown Affair one of the most iconic style moments on-screen.

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Linen Life

Bryan Ferry

When he wasn’t soundtracking entire decades, Bryan Ferry was busy racking up an impressive collection of white and beige linen tailoring (it was the 1980s, after all).

While perms might still rightly be festering in Room 101, Ferry-esque lightweight, breathable summer suits have made a comeback – and this time around you don’t need a yacht to jump on board.

If a full linen getup – and its maddening tangle of creases – isn’t your thing, try a wrinkle-resistant cotton blend instead. Darker shades of grey and navy will make for the easiest wears, but if you’re feeling braver, opt for a stone of beige two-piece and dress it down with a white T-shirt and trainers for a contemporary take. Looking cool never felt so, well, cool.

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Tropical Twist

Montgomery Clift

We get it, the Hawaiian shirt has long been an indicator of poor taste. But, way before it became the default barbecuing uniform for suburban dads, some men were doing it justice.

Like Montgomery Clift – not only a regular fixture of Hollywood’s defining era, but pretty much the progenitor of the Hawaiian shirt’s golden age too. Clift excelled at taming loud prints, making them seem bold, but not brash, and always sophisticated.

With a few canny styling tricks, you can too. Above all, keep it simple and let the shirt do the talking. Wear closed or open over a T-shirt and pair with tailored shorts for a low-key tropical twist.

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Move Like Jagger

Mick Jagger

The Rolling Stones’ frontman doesn’t get enough credit in menswear’s canon of iconic dressers. Sure, some of his stage outfits would only prompt piss-taking if worn down the pub, but off-duty Jagger offers up several looks worth stealing.

Proving it’s not just the French that can comfortably nail Riviera chic, the pillow-lipped singer’s iconic summer uniform of a Breton top and tailored chinos is something you’d do well to channel now.

Bring the whole look right up to date with a slim fit and swap the loafers for a pair of minimal leather trainers. Satisfaction, no sweat.

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Play The Field

Robert Redford

A quick Google will testify that Robert Redford had one of the greatest wardrobes – both on- and off-screen – of all time at one point. We’re pretty sure you could close your eyes, point and be pretty much guaranteed to land on a killer outfit, which means he can teach all of us a thing or two about looking suave in summer.

More specifically, you should riff on his love of that old classic, the field jacket. The beauty of this stylish perennial is its construction: not too bulky or lightweight, it makes the ideal top layer for the season’s more inclement days.

Wear yours with a grey T-shirt and beige chinos for a fresh take on this military-inspired must-have.

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Earn Your Stripes

Sean Connery

The OG on-screen Bond is nothing short of a style maverick. White dinner jacket? Completed it. Side-parting? Completed it. Vertical stripe shirt? Completed it, 50 years earlier than you, mate.

Sean Connery’s personal style has done anything but go unnoticed ever since the would-be spy swaggered into MI6 in 1962, and it doesn’t take much intel to see why.

A fan of classic pieces, mimic the expert fit of Big Tam’s short sleeve shirt— hitting the mid-bicep to accentuate the arms — and book end with neutral trousers for a look that’ll leave onlookers shaken and stirred.

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