Dior was so close to doing a great thing, but then fumbled at the last minute. For the label’s Cruise 2019 collection, designer Maria Grazia Chiuri based her collection on the beautiful clothing worn by Mexican Escaramuza Charra riders. However, Chirui’s inspiration fell flat when her clothing appeared on Dior’s face, Jennifer Lawrence. Now, both Dior and Lawrence are being accused of cultural appropriation.

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Escaramuza is a traditional Mexican sport that is comprised of 10 to 16 women on horseback doing choreographed dancing and stunts to Mexican music. The sport first began at the birth of the Mexican revolution, during which women were allowed to participate and appear at the front of the battle in their traditional dress.

The wardrobe of the Escaramuza is as beautiful and precise as their routines, and an Escaramuza team must adhere to strict guidelines when crafting their uniform. Frills, shawls, ornaments, boots, and hats are all musts, and give fashion labels like Dior a lot to drool over.

 

However, by putting Jennifer Lawrence — who is neither Mexican nor Latina — in clothing inspired by such culturally important dress for Mexican women has many questioning whether or not Dior cares about the cultural significance of the Escaramuza at all.

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Lawrence said in a behind-the-scenes clip from the photoshoot featured on Dior’s Instagram, “One of the main inspirations of this collection is the traditional women riders of Mexico. I’m really excited that this collection is looking at and celebrating these women’s heritage through such a modern lens.”

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Many fault Dior for lacking the wherewithal to cast a Mexican model as the face of the collection. Although Lawrence should have seen through the culturally appropriative problem, it’s more disappointing that Dior is just that oblivious.

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Dior did feature a team of Escaramuza, wearing uniforms from Chirui’s collection, in the the label’s Cruise 2019 fashion show. However, the models presenting the inspired clothing on the runway were primarily white. It’s a bit boggling how Dior completely missed the mark.

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This cultural appropriation slip up is an obvious reminder that the fashion industry still has a long road ahead of them in terms of diversification and inclusion. Labels must become more aware of the impact they have on culture and society, and do more to make formative statements with their collections.

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