When I notice a girl wearing a slick back, I compliment her, acknowledging that they pull it off so well. Back in middle school I would always wear “slick backs” or just high ponytails in general and would be mocked for having a big forehead or “greasy” hair. After those remarks, I would never wear my hair slicked back, avoiding it at all times. 

Years later, the clean-girl aesthetic was brought, creating a trend on TikTok amongst Gen Z, expressing no judgement towards anyone who wears one today. To me, this was surprisingly shocking. As someone who would refuse to wear that hairstyle, it shocked me to see many wear it today without any negative remarks muttered to them. 

“I think growing up, being made fun of for my brown culture and brown skin, seeing people make it a trend is hypocritical because it’s the same thing they made fun of me for, and now they find it beautiful and love to wear it,” junior Maryam Khan said. 

For many people, the cultural appropriation behind the clean-girl aesthetic does not seem as  big of a deal, but these practices have been so significant in South Asian culture for centuries. 

I’ve noticed this with many South Asian cultural practices that have been culturally appropriated, including the Scandinavian  scarves, jewelry, and attire that have been adopted by European brands such as Prada and Balenciaga. Unfortunately, this systemic adaptation has been happening for centuries. 

“I think it’s shocking to see how there’s so much racism for South Asian communities, but other communities are unknowingly adapting their culture, oiling hair back, wearing waist chains, wearing crystals, meditating, doing yoga, wearing long skirts that look like a lengha, and much more,” junior Jainy Patel said. 

For example, the U.S. Congress dedicated a southern fashion staple that should be created to South Asians that was unknown for a period of time. Seersucker, also known as Shir o Shakar, meaning milk or sugar by Persians, was a light woven fabric made in colonial India,but Joseph Haspel Sr., a businessman who has been labeled the inventor of the fabric, earned millions even though it was made in the Indian subcontinent in the 1600s. 

Back then, there use to be major backlash against this fabric as it was worn by slaves and those less fortunate until it became rebranded and made into clothing now elites would wear, showing the bigger message that when POC was associated with a trend such as the slick backs, gold earring, and the Seersucker, worn by brown and black individuals is seen as rags, but is only worthy when a white man invents it or when someone like Hailey Bieber or Kendall Jenner wears it, it becomes a big sensation. 

Another notable scandal was committed by luxury brand Prada. The brand was criticized for using traditional South Asian Kolhapuri Chappals, which are traditional handmade leather sandals worn for centuries. They are known for their simple design, durability and cultural significance made by skilled artisans using traditional methods. 

The brand featured the shoes in a runway show without initially crediting their origin, selling it for 120 dollars. After public backlash accusing the brand of cultural appropriation, Prada acknowledged the inspiration and later said it would engage with South Asian artisans and recognize the cultural heritage behind the design. But is Prada issuing an apology enough? 

On a daily basis, I notice at least three or more women wearing golden hoop earrings. Back in colonial times, gold was used as a resistance against the patriarchal society for women from South Asian backgrounds, tracing roots back to the Mughal Empire. With gold and jewelry, women had a sense of empowerment financially. As golden hoop earrings are a part of the clean-girl aesthetic, it’s disappointing to see that South Asian culture has never received credit for what is now an ongoing trend.  Similarly, waist chains, dazzling two-pieces, baggy pants, and chunky jewelry such as bangles or jhumkas have been seen to be worn today, fitting into the western culture. 

We’ve seen many brands that have ripped out South Asian fashion, but there are many brands who are doing it right. One notable brand is Nike doing a collaboration with Nor Black Nor White, featuring real Indian Athletes ultimately rewriting South Asian fashion and representation in sports. Another instance includes Indian fashion designer Manish Malhotra designing an outfit for Beyonce to wear at her Paris concert. These instances are just the beginning of the recognition that South Asians deserve. 

What was once ridiculed on bodies like mine is now applauded when separated from its origins. These trends expose a pattern where culture is only accepted after it is rebranded and detached from the people who created it. Until credit, context, and respect are given along with admiration, these aesthetics will continue to celebrate style while erasing the history behind it.