Is it with pride? With elan?
This month, the first ever South Asian Fashion Week in New York flaunted couture that was brilliant, subtle, bold, traditional – and absolutely desi! The fashion narratives by talented South Asian designers were being sashayed to a broad spectrum, multi-hued audience.
New York is where trends begin and if this is just the beginning, what could be a more visible route to weave diversity into the fabric of the United States?
Young South Asians, many born and raised in the United States, are increasingly beginning to honor their heritage and wear it without self-consciousness. This is a change from the cautious, only-at-home, observance of culture by many immigrant parents. There’s a self-confidence driving this generation, who don’t wear culture as a flag, but with elegance and poise, as an essential part of who they are.
It is unstated, intuitive activism. Young people understand that the more you embrace your identity easily and happily, right from bushy brows and chocolate skin, to elaborate festivals and wedding rituals, the faster the community moves to total assimilation within the larger social construct.
Exposure, leading to familiarity, understanding and inclusiveness.
To belong, as who you really are…
Dhivya Umachandran, engineer: Recognition and representation mean accepting; and encouraging every single individual to embrace what makes them special. If we continue to create safe spaces for people to share their ideas, values, and experiences, we’re already creating our culture of belonging!
https://www.spxflow.com/blog/celebrating-our-culture-asian-american-pacific-islander-month/
Penn students: More than 60 Penn students got together on campus over an event to celebrate and increase the visibility of their Asian identities. According to Bangladeshi-American Afreen “My identity teaches me to celebrate the rich cultures of AAPI community through unity and inclusion.”
https://www.thedp.com/article/2021/10/penn-students-asian-american-identity
Deseni Fernando, Sri Lankan American model: Decided to stop straightening her Asian “big, poofy curls” – “Embracing my curls has made me a much more confident and proud South Asian woman”
https://www.allure.com/story/south-asian-women-embrace-naturally-curly-hair
Read about the South Asian Fashion Week
https://homegrown.co.in/article/807010/reclaiming-south-asian-fashion-narratives-designs-at-new-york-fashion-week
