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This UK clothing store thinks a kurta without a shalwar is a dress

This UK clothing store thinks a kurta without a shalwar is a dress

We thought calling the lungi a flowing mini skirt was the peak of misappropriation but here we are.
12 Sep, 2019

Another day, another act of cultural appropriation, only this time it's a little too hilarious.

Often we've read stories about South Asian fashion being appropriated as 'festive wear' or 'tribal chic' and we've had enough examples in the past few years to exhaust us.

From Ajrak print being dubbed French inspired brick multi pattern to the wonderful kohla-puri being sold as a 'tribal inspired toe-ring strap construction', we've seen it all. Heck, they didn't even leave the lungi alone, calling it a flowing mini skirt, so what else could be done?

A lot.

UK-based vintage store, Thrifted got their hands on a few goodies to sell for cheap and they got their fair share of boho dresses to sell. The problem? They aren't boho dresses, they are kurtas. Pretty kurtas, yes, but kurtas.

You'd think this is the point where we raise our voice. That this is where we say, "How can you take our cultural wear and dub it boho, almost taking it back to the point of 'festive wear'?"

This is where we'd exclaim "Stop fetishising our culture with such an ignorant mindset and give our fashion the respect it deserves. Do not appropriate our culture!" But we had to hold on to that, because there is more to the appropriation and ignorance involved.

For you see, the 'boho dresses' on display aren't just kurtas, they are kurtas without the shalwar... or a trouser... or a pant... it's just a top. Such exotic, much wow.

So basically this

And yes, while we can't stop laughing, we are surprised at the level of ignorance and aren't alone. South Asian Twitter couldn't resist expressing their outrage of the misappropriation but also mocking the incomplete ensemble.

At least do it right is all we're saying

Yeah, we don't blame you

This is what happens when desi moms don't knock sense into you

The most important point to make

Oh well, here are some more "boho dresses"

Done better, if you ask us

Comments

Newborn Sep 12, 2019 05:08pm
Why not. Fashion is about testing and later adopting the limits.
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Ali khan Sep 12, 2019 05:16pm
Who cares. Looks chic..
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RationalBabu Sep 12, 2019 05:23pm
No harm, in this age of globalisation you can adapt and wear what you like and how you like. Just like you accept western fashion, languages and technologies, the choice is yours!
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Anonymous Sep 12, 2019 05:37pm
Pls don't mess with our culture.
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Ahmed Sep 12, 2019 07:02pm
Nice.
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Satya Sep 12, 2019 07:11pm
Misappropriation???? What about most Pakistani restaurants run as “ Indian restaurants “ in UK.
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Khaled Sep 12, 2019 07:25pm
Don't think it's hilarious, nothing wrong with it, looks pretty good.
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N_Saq Sep 12, 2019 08:04pm
There is no need to get hung on semantics. It is their country and they can wear whatever they like and how they like.
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BRR Sep 12, 2019 08:34pm
if you cannot market something well, someone else will
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N abidai Sep 12, 2019 09:24pm
Pakistani have been using kurtas as tunic, pairing with jeans and leggings for years, it is nothing new. However,the designers can rethink ,and brand it as Kurta dress for the west!
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Shiraz Sep 13, 2019 12:34am
Why is it a news. Its a common trend in west. Just add a trouser with any of their women's shirt and its going to turn into our traditional shirt and trouser (qameez and shalwar).
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Syed Ahmed Sep 13, 2019 09:02am
Nothing new here. In 1988 I was posted to Taiwan ROC with a financial institution and assisted them in hosting a huge exhibition of manufacturers from third world countries. An Exhibitor from Pakistan was trying to sell the Shalwar Kameez Suit with Dopatta but was unable to make much sales because the shoppers wanted to buy each of the three items separately. The Kameez/Kurta to be worn by itself, the Shalwar with a short sleeveless top showing the mid riff and the Dopaata as a light Shawl / Scarf.?accessory. I explained to the Exhibitor the dictum of "when in Rome" and the "buyer is always right" and he managed to sell out his entire stock and also get merchant orders.
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hyra Sep 13, 2019 09:52am
@Ali khan LO. Just because white blonde is wearing
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Neo Sep 14, 2019 02:48am
@Syed Ahmed. Clever, simple and genius. Welldone sir.
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