China Raises A Howl Over Dior's 'Copying' Song Dynasty Skirt

Dior is facing accusations of cultural appropriation after Chinese social media users and protesters outside one of the label's Paris stores claimed that its $3,800 Maria Grazia Churi skirt was inspired by a centuries-old traditional garment called mamianqun or horse face skirt, Oscar Holland reported for CNN.

Photo Insert: The pleated wool and mohair skirt has drawn comparisons to mamiangqun despite being described by the French fashion house as a "hallmark Dior silhouette."

The pleated wool and mohair skirt has drawn comparisons to mamiangqun despite being described by the French fashion house as a "hallmark Dior silhouette." The row began earlier this month, with Chinese netizens and state media accusing the brand of failing to acknowledge the alleged inspiration behind its design.

An editorial in the Communist Party's mouthpiece, People's Daily, said Dior had "shamelessly" misrepresented the skirt as an original creation, describing social media outrage as "completely understandable."

Indignation onto the streets of Paris last Saturday when a small group gathered outside one of the brand's boutiques on Avenue des Champs-Élysées. Comparing the two skirts is like comparing apples and oranges.

Images and videos shared online show protesters holding signs, written in a mixture of French and English, with messages including "Dior, stop cultural appropriation" and "This is a traditional Chinese dress."

Several counter-protesters also arrived at the scene holding signs denouncing China's human rights abuses in Xinjiang. Others slammed China for copying French and US products and stealing technology and designs, saying industrial piracy is the breakfast, lunch, and dinner in China.

Earlier, Koreans blasted China for claiming that its world-renowned dishes are actually Chinese recipes.

Earlier, Rachel Cheung reported for Vice News that the case has shed light on the fine line foreign companies have to tread while doing business in China, which is expected to become the world’s largest luxury market by 2025, but whose 1.4 billion consumers are increasingly difficult to please.

Not only are brands subject to scrutiny for any political message as well as cultural insensitivity, they are also under growing pressure to portray Chinese people and culture “positively.”

The People’s Daily commentary acknowledged that the fashion industry often borrows from different elements.

“This kind of design by Dior doesn’t seem to be paying homage,” it added, without explaining why.

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