fashion diplomacy
The appearances of Chinese first lady Peng Liyuan in her tailored suits and gowns left Britain’s press swooning – describing her as “graceful”, “stunning”, “sophisticated”, “glamorous” and “chic” – during President Xi Jinping’s four-day state visit to the United Kingdom last week […] Peng’s carefully crafted image is a stark contrast to the wives of former Communist leaders.
Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has been accused of using fashion diplomacy as a self-promotional tool. Labor senator Sam Dastyari took issue with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade devoting public diplomacy funds to a hashtag #fashiondiplomacy initiative in the wake of the Australia Network's demise.
Michelle Obama is not the only first lady who has become adept at using fashion as a form of subtle sartorial outreach to foreign leaders. On Tuesday night in London at the Palace state dinner in honor of President Xi Jinping of China, Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge (the British first lady in waiting), demonstrated her own ability to employ dress as a form of diplomacy, wearing a gown by the British designer Jenny Packham — in a bright shade of red, the Chinese national color.
Norbert Baksa, a Hungary-based photographer, said the images were designed to raise awareness of the situation. [...] But his latest shoot, named “Der Migrant”, hasn’t received much acclaim, with many criticizing him for glamorizing the refugee crisis.
Go with the ‘fro: celebrating Botswanan women in the 21st century. Botswanan fashion artists Gatsh Fros set up a shoot for the launch edition of what they say will be the country's first ever fashion magazine.
"The Australian fashion industry is the exemplar of our creative economy. 220,000 jobs in Australia, $12 billion contributed to our economy each and every year. I have embraced 'fashion diplomacy' as coming under the umbrella of 'economic diplomacy', a pillar of our foreign policy," she [Julie Bishop] said.
"Diplomacy is the artistic translation of peace, without it the world would have ceased to exist," commented a spokesperson from Diplomatique Ventures. "Our mission is to unite people of all cultures, religions, and backgrounds within their communities and throughout the globe. We are the voice, the protection, and the future for people around the world. Everyday wear with a protection of a lifetime through fashion."
The kimono, a garment that dates back to the 5th century A.D. and worn by westerners for at least 150 years, inhabits the slippery gray area between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation. [...] For a long time, the kimono as a fashion statement – both contemporary remakes and authentic vintage garments – largely avoided being called out for cultural appropriation.