Outrage after Topshop 'appropriates' Palestinian keffiyah
Outrage after Topshop 'appropriates' Palestinian keffiyah
Topshop has come under fire on social media for releasing a playsuit that appropriates the pattern of the Palestinian keffiyah.
2 min read
Topshop appropriating Palestinian resistance symbol [Topshop/Getty]
British high-street retail brand Topshop has come under fire on social media for releasing a playsuit that appropriates the pattern of the Palestinian keffiyah.
The keffiyah has been used as a symbol for Palestinian nationalism as far back as 1936, during the Arab revolt in Palestine.
To Palestinians, the keffiyah is treasured as a representation of their identity and their readiness to hold steadfast in their national struggle.
In the early 2000’s, the keffiyah was adopted as a fashion symbol outside the Arab world. It became available in various colours and patterns, straying away from its original pattern, and diluting its iconic symbolism.
During that period, there was a limited number of Palestinians who took to the internet to voice their opposition of the misuse of their national symbol.
The trend is now slowly starting to seep back into the mainstream high-street fashion industry. Unlike 10 years ago, there are more Palestinians and Palestine supporters calling out brands for their appropriation of the keffiyah and demanding its preservation.
Though, not all Palestine supporters endorsed publicly confronting Topshop. There were also calls to ignore the playsuit, which is currently sold out on the Topshop website rather than to give it extra attention.
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