Dior Under Fire: $3,800 Skirt Accused of Cultural Appropriation

Dior is under fire for a $3,800 skirt as it sparks global backlash, blurring the line between cultural inspiration and appropriation. The luxury brand is accused of copying China’s traditional mamianqun skirt without giving credit, sparking protests, backlash, and a renewed debate on fashion ethics.

Dior recently found itself in the hot seat after launching a $3,800 black pleated skirt that closely resembles the mamianqun, a traditional Chinese garment with roots in the Ming Dynasty.

https://edition.cnn.com/style/article/dior-cultural-appropriation-accusations-chinese-skirt/index.html

What Is the Mamianqun?

The mamianqun (馬面裙), or “horse face skirt,” is a traditional wrap-around skirt worn by Han Chinese women. It features:

• Side pleats for ease of movement
• Overlapping panels at the front and back
• Ornamental embroidery and vibrant fabrics in their original form

It’s more than fashion—it’s a symbol of heritage and cultural pride, with centuries of history behind its folds.

Dior Version and the Backlash

In mid-2022, Dior released a black pleated skirt priced at $3,800, marketed as a modern reinterpretation of a “hallmark Dior silhouette.”

Why People Are Upset:

• The skirt is similar to the mamianqun, down to the panel structure and pleats.
• No credit was given to Chinese heritage or design inspiration.
• Dior labeled it as “a fashion statement rooted in French elegance,” ignoring its likely Chinese origin.

The Response:

• Protests broke out in Paris at Dior’s flagship store. Over 50 Chinese students peacefully demonstrated, holding signs like:
  • “This is not Dior’s original design.”
  • “Cultural heritage is not a trend.”

• The Communist Youth League of China and global social media users condemned Dior for cultural appropriation.

Dior Statement

Dior responded vaguely, stating that it “respects all cultures,” but did not directly address the design concerns or acknowledge the mamianqun influence. The skirt was quietly removed from its Chinese website, though it remained available globally for some time.

https://www.dior.com/en_us/fashion

Why This Matters

Cultural appropriation in luxury fashion is nothing new. Dior previously faced backlash for similarities to Romanian traditional garments in a 2017 collection. The ongoing issue raises bigger questions:

• Are luxury brands doing enough to credit cultural influences?
• Is “inspiration” just a mask for appropriation?

Key Takeaways:

• The mamianqun is a rich cultural garment, not just a fashion trend.
• Brands like Dior must show transparency and respect when drawing from global traditions.
• Consumers today demand accountability, especially Gen Z and millennial buyers who value inclusivity.