Appropriating vs. appreciating Black fashion today: MSU students share insight
Ankara print fabric sold at Seams Fabric in East Lansing on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021. Photo by Jillian Felton | The State News
Modern-day trends such as hoop earrings, acrylic nails, bucket hats and lettuce-hem shirts are considered to be fashion staples in America. But not many are aware of the cultural significance behind their favorite accessories or that all these items, and more, originate from Black or African culture.
Acrylic nails date all the way back to origins in ancient Egypt, according to Bricks Magazine, and were first seen on the cover of a magazine being worn by a black woman. They then became prominent in the disco scene, being worn by stars such as Diana Ross and Donna Sum