Clothing controversy: “Scandinavian Scarf”? No, Girl!

Hello, fashionistas. Welcome back to another weekly installment of your favorite Record fashion column. I’m super excited for this week’s column because it’s the start of a series that I’ve wanted to do ever since I started thinking about writing for this column. The series in question is going to be a sort of exploration of the cultural roots of globalized and Westernized trends. For example, this article will focus on the “Scandinavian scarf” trend, and how it’s actually an Indian dupatta.

I write this series for two reasons. I love how culture is weaved into so much of our lives, including fashion. The main reason, though, is because I will more holistically understand the history and cultural context of fashion trends. And, naturally, part of this is addressing the appropriation in modern fashion.

Now let’s get into it! Earlier this year, a fashion influencer called a long scarf draped over the neck and back a “Scandinavian scarf.” I’m fairly certain that this particular styling of a scarf is not a “Scandinavian” way to wear it, so I’m not sure how this influencer landed on that term, but anyways, this style is most definitely the dupatta which comes from Indian fashion. The term gained traction, and other white and European influencers used it as well. However, many commented about how the garment was appropriated and whitewashed, and now the term is typically used in a humorous or ironic way to mock the original video and subsequent posts using the term. Although the appropriation of this garment was short-lived thanks to the backlash it received, this was not a one-time thing, as we will see in future articles.

The history of the dupatta spans back centuries, and is deeply rooted in the cultural and religious traditions of South Asia. It was originally worn draped over the head and shoulders, and complemented outfits such as the shalwar kameez, lehenga choli, and saree. Originally simple and unadorned, the with the Mughal influence in the 16th and 17th centuries, the dupattas became more ornate, with rich fabrics, intricate embroidery, and detailed embellishments. The dupatta is worn in many regions of South Asia, and has an incredible diversity of styles, including the Phulkari, Chikankari, Bandhani, Banarasi silk, Kalamkari, and Gota Patti dupattas. Then, of course, there are the more modern styles that also widely vary.

One of my first introductions to the dupatta was by watching Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, only the best film on the entire planet. While Anjali’s character dazzles a more traditional dupatta, Pooja rocks the more modern style. I think this movie genuinely was the catalyst for my excitement over fashion. Honestly, I could do a whole article on this movie, but anyway!

Dupattas are one of the most elegant and beautiful pieces of clothes, and from what I’ve heard from South Asian women commenting on this controversy, it’s okay to wear scarves like this. JUST DON’T SAY IT’S A EUROPEAN THING. It’s so important to understand where trends originate from and their implications. I’ll hop off my soapbox, but I do hope this intrigues you.

As always, stay stylin!