SNP’s word of the day: Orientalism

Word: Orientalism

Meaning: The falsely glam-ified depiction of Eastern people and culture by Western image makers.

Usage: “Orientalism tend fatally towards the systematic accumulation of human beings and territories.” — Edward Said, author of (ta-da!) Orientalism

You should know it because: Oooh, look! Another glossy editorial featuring a white supermodel (Karlie Kloss) made to look Asian. This time Vogue is the culprit, but they’re hardly alone on their passage to racism. Last month, Vogue Nippon starred the distinctly Caucasian, ex-plus-size model Crystal Renn with her eyes taped to look Japanese. One’d think this might offend the readers of a Japanese fashion magazine for actual asians, but evidently editrix Anna Dello Russo knew better. And all the way back in March, V put out its “Asian issue,” covered by the noted Asian pop artist… Lady Gaga.

Orientalism and fashion are pretty much BFFs at this point, having been introduced by Paul “King of Fashion” Poiret just after last century’s turn. Poiret turned his (white, Parisian) clients into exotic geishas and harem girls; almost a hundred years later, what’s changed? Look at Giorgio Armani‘s latest couture collection—inspired by what, the Japan of Disney films?—and try to tell me the answer is “anything.” True, some designers are making nobler efforts to cater to the long-booming Asian luxury market, without caricaturing the hand that feeds them. Riccardo Tisci, for example, was able to find a whole cast of Asian models for his 2011 couture collection—not a taped eye in the bunch! If only the Annas had taken notes.

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