Comments on: American Apparel turns Afrikan?

By: Tyra D.

Tyra D. — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 03:07:12 +0000

I think Chimere means well in the idea of cross cultural exchange, celebrating/embracing differences, etc, etc. But I think, at best, Chimere’s comments are naive not just to the story behind the textiles in terms of lineage and the like as Lauren has pointed out, but of the production of clothing in general. To deem something as the “Afrika” collection or whatever American Apparel is calling it brings up all kinds of issues related to colonialism, sweat shops, Aparthied…Unfortunately, we as black people don’t always have the luxury of consumption without thinking about its impact on OUR community. Clutch does a wonderful job of inspiring discourse from all sides of the issue. Keep up the good work, guys!

By: Lauren R.D.

Lauren R.D. — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 19:38:33 +0000

I do not think Patrice or her colleagues at Clutch are being irrational at all. People fail to realize that there is more to wearing cultural clothes. There is a story behind the textiles of the fabric. That story represents lineage, cultural celebrations and the life of people who wear the particular type of clothing.
I find it hilarious that American Apparel, who for the most part does not design clothes to fit the average Black woman’s body has come out with this new fashion line. So the question i ask Chimere ” Who is American Apparel trying to appeal to”?

Great Job Patrice…love you always xoxoxo

By: ceecee

ceecee — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 12:12:05 +0000

@ Chimere, seriously? animal prints? Why is Africa the only continent connected to animal prints? I can’t think of any African country whose national fabric is made from animal print.
That’s why it’s outrageous, they’re reviving a jungle inspired back to Africa look that is unrepresentative of Africa.

By: Imani

Imani — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 23:34:22 +0000

White people are always stealing from other races and cultures of people because they have no real culture
of their own plus to be just plain vanilla like they are is boring.

By: Chimere B.

Chimere B. — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 18:16:01 +0000

i think you ladies are being a bit rash and going too far, including the writer. people wear and have always worn clothing from other cultures, why should africa be exempt. let me see, hmm, because we have emotional ties to it being that we are black? NO.

i see women, even black women walking around in arab & indian tunics, grecian inspired dresses, and asian inspired shirts all the time. my question to you is:

why NOT africa???

By: Tiffany

Tiffany — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 14:59:50 +0000

So true Lish, speak the truth

By: DM

DM — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 03:38:24 +0000

Wonderful points raised Patrice! I would love to see your points expressed in an explorative article

By: Lish

Lish — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 01:22:33 +0000

we’ve been fashionable for centuries these folks all of a sudden wanna be like us? white girls + tribal clothing+AFRIKA= a slap in the face!