Everywhere around the world, traditional clothing has a meaning and distinct identity. Fashion has borrowed styling elements from cultures for centuries. Sometimes, it is disheartening to see people wear these clothes without acknowledging their history as the appeal of ethnic infusion in fashion advances.
Cultural appropriation is when a person of a dominant culture takes traditional and cultural expressions of a less dominant group and repurposes them in a different context without acknowledgment, compensation, or authorization. In most cases, these actions cause direct harm to the traditional and cultural expression holders. For instance, indigenous people and local communities make traditional clothes as their source of income. Therefore, cultural appropriation can cause economic damage to communities, such as reducing their chance of earning a living.
However, indigenous fashion designers wield a voice for their cultures and present the best visions of their tradition and its meaning through contemporary creations. When you buy from OJeanne, because you admire the traditional batik, kente, and wax print, it is both a compliment to the taste of Ghanaians and a chance to support the community of local artisans, who are mainly underprivileged women and young creatives. Regardless of your race, you will not have repurposed, nor will you be causing harm to Ghana's many batik makers, young artisans, tailors, and accessories makers who collaborate with the brand. On the contrary, you will contribute to their chances of a better life.
So have fun shopping from our collection of menswear, womenswear, Little Grown Ups, and accessories line. Just remember to acknowledge that the beautiful designs are indigenous to West Africa whenever you step out in style.