Zuhair Murad Haute Couture Spring 2018

Zuhair Murad Spring 2018 Haute Couture Collection caused controversy in Paris this week because of its Native American culture elements. Titled “Indian Summer”, fashion critics are saying that it is cultural appropriation. I disagree with most fashion critics on this one. I have seen some disastrous collections in my lifetime and I honestly don’t think that this is one of them.

Murad told Vogue backstage: “For haute couture, it was risky, yes. But I said to myself, I want to go beyond my limits this time; I want to do a challenge”. He also said: “Most of the time, I am inspired by the past, and this is a kind of an homage and respect to the people who left us a very beautiful heritage of art, craftsmanship, and design.”

Just like he said, it was a respectful homage. I can see where his inspiration came from. He did not copy or appropriate the culture, you can still see his aesthetic throughout the collection. In my opinion, everything is inspired by something and I can see his inspiration here. Ok, he used feathers, but does that mean that nobody can use feathers? that would be silly, I mean it’s fashion! I honestly love this collection, but I am curious as to what do you guys think.

Check out some of the looks and leave your comments down below, let’s chat! Cultural appropriation or no?