Mini Project No. 1 - Image & Intention: A Message Without A Code

Fashion: Head Ties and Culture

Head ties have become a fashion statement, especially within the last few years. They are beautiful accessories that have blown up on social media, but what's is their origin? 

Head ties came from South Africa. Obviously, these pieces are beautiful, but they do serve a function. These wraps originated in sub-Saharan Africa and were worn by African Americans to symbolize courage and remember their homeland during times of slavery in the United States.

Head wraps serve as a uniform of communal identity and as a uniform of rebellion because millions of women refused to lose their self-definition. 

Since this style has become much more mainstream, people of all different types of ethnicity have been resorting to adding this seemingly simple fashion accessory to their everyday look without understanding the significance of the hair piece itself. 

 

A couple years ago, "the natural hair movement" started embracing and reclaiming head ties to openly remember their culture. This type of accessory peaked the interest of many fashion designers who then started incorporating these beautiful head wraps in their fashion shows. Thanks to the endless social media platforms out there, this new cultural accessory became a trend worldwide, especially in America. 

I don't consider myself particularly proactive in the matters of cultural appropriation, but I do find it interesting how girls and women follow trends without understanding the significance behind it. In our modern world, fashion is fashion - simple as that. If it looks cool, wear it. That being said, a large population thinks that this is considered cultural appropriation. 

Frankly, I love head ties. They are absolutely beautiful. Head scarfs come in many different colors and patterns and can be an excellent accessory to compliment an outfit. But are we ignorant to the history and significance of something as simple as a head scarf? Or are some of us over reacting? What is the difference between a head band and a head tie? Are they all that different from one another? 

Regardless, social media is an outlet where people have a lot to say regarding the matter. Take Kylie Jenner for example. When she went out in public wearing a do-rag, she got slammed for cultural appropriation: