'It's Hip to be Asian' as long as White People Approve

Abigail Wang
Week 6
ASA 141

'Its Hip to be Asian' As Long As White People Approve

The article 'Its Hip to be Asian' especially stood out to me this week as I think it describes a trend with 'Asian' fashion that I myself have noted. The author describes the commercialization of the salwaar-kameez, and how this clothing piece from India was immediately accepted in Britain once white celebrities and fashion designers accepted and wore this clothing. It puts the salwar-kameez in a new context of high fashion and couture rather than symbolizing something 'ethnic.' I connected this part of the article to multiculturalism, in how white fashion designers began to 'celebrate' the Indian identity through the salwar-kameez, sometimes even employing Asian models, but in reality the racism in Britain still persists. In the commodification of the salwar-kameez we see how it is appropriated and refashioned on white bodies to be sold to the global market as something new and exciting. This shows the deep and persisting effects of colonialism, that British people continue to have access and ownership to Indian clothing, food, etc. Perhaps, this can alternatively represent the multicultural shift in Britain, blending both Asian and British clothing, representing the cross over of the two populations. As the article describes the acceptance of Asian fashion in Britain has opened the door for many Asian designers and encouraged the transnational relationship of Asia and Europe. My question from this article is does white designers and celebrities 'accepting' Asian fashion help or hurt Asians?

Princess Diana wearing a salwaar-kameez to an event in 1996 in Britain.