DIY: Balenciaga's "Must Have" Scarf

posted by guest

Apr 13, 2007 4:05PM

misguided is an understatement. they're borderline anti-semitic. if you want a hipster maxxi scarf just get one of those fake pashmina shawls from 6th ave.

posted by allie

Apr 13, 2007 4:27PM

in poor taste.

posted by joyride

Apr 13, 2007 5:36PM

not necessarily anti-semitic but def inapprops. the keffiyeh is the head scarf worn by palestinian men as part of their national dress. urban outfitters sold it as a anti-war scarf. how about anti-respecting-other-people's-religion-and-culture scarf? it is rude, crude, and socially unacceptable.

posted by Mena

Apr 13, 2007 5:49PM

Actually, I think it's great to see Balenciaga subverting something that's turned into such a joke. And I think this DIY is very funny, as it was meant to be. Kevin looks good in everything, doesn't he?

posted by Jack

Apr 13, 2007 5:57PM

I so love it. will be saving for the balenciaga scarf, but until it comes out will DIY till my heart's content.

posted by Faran

Apr 13, 2007 6:33PM

Oh, I love you all so much!

I'd caution against going for the easy argument = "oh, this is so offensive", "oh, you're disrespecting a culture" - on this one, though.

These scarves have been worn by Americans as carefree accessories for thirty years. Some have understood the significance, some haven't, but the question remains:

When does a symbol transcend from a cultural identity marker into another visual tool at the disposal of an artist, a group of kids, a consumer? When can fashion be subverted to make a deeper statement; when can culture be subverted to make a lighter one?

There's lots to talk about, but frankly, the scarf is a little ridiculous, a little worth mocking, and a little bit adorable when you throw paint on it.

I don't think I would ever wear one personally, but if I see it on W Magazine's "must have" list for $1000, you'd better believe I'm going to copy it with some art supplies and a clever intern and show it to you guys.

Carry on.

posted by guest

Apr 13, 2007 6:50PM

odd though that a middle eastern accessory is the new "must have". We're letting our government turn the cradle of civilization into an uncivilized crater!

posted by Bonnie Lass

Apr 13, 2007 7:20PM

>>When does a symbol transcend from a cultural identity marker ...

Whew! For a second there I thought you were channeling Tom Hanks in the opening scenes of Da Vinci Code.

But seriously. A symbol's meaning is forever changing, depending on who uses it, who abuses it and who adorns it. The 'Stars and Bars' are frequently seen on bikini tops and bottoms on women of color throughout the South, especially during spring break. Think the meaning stays the same? What about Cheap Monday's skull with the inverted cross?

I agree with Faran ... Being offensive is too easy an argument to make, especially considering how much religious iconography exists in fashion.

posted by banana

Apr 14, 2007 1:33PM

i'm too much of a red-tartan-scarf girl to ever wear a khaffiyeh, but your DIY version is very cute.

and as far as it being controversial or whatever, fashion (and art in general) has been co-opting cultural symbols, religious icons, folk art, etc forever. that's just what happens, and usually the significance or origins of something are lost of the audience/wearer. that's the way things are, that's what art does.

i wanna intern for you guys :\

posted by sauce

Apr 17, 2007 1:06PM

anti-semetic? that's a stretch don't you think? the keffiyeh is about as anti-semetic as the star of david is anti-islamic. let's be real for a second...if you want to protest, ground your argument in something reasonable...not such a weak, and rather predictable accusation of anit-semitism ...

personally, i take offense to the use of the Keffiyeh as a fashion trend (not so much by urban outfitters as it was recognized as an "anti-war scarf" but Balenciaga's use of the scarf...) Its a cultural symbol that is very much associated with the Palestinian struggle. Its offensive to see its meaning stripped from the scarf, splashed with color and given fleeting mention as a fashion trend. I'll be happy to see the trend fade...then its meaning as an anti-war scarf will actually mean something when its worn....

posted by salwa

Apr 18, 2007 1:16PM

I have to disagree with the comments regarding anti-Semitism. Since when is the celebration of the Palestinian people (the original inhabitants of the land that was magically christened Israel 60 yrs ago, btw) anti-Semitic? First, Arabs, like all descendants of Abraham, ARE Semites. Second, it is a symbol celebrating a culture, and to trivialize the struggle of the Palestinian people by delegating them as anti-Jewish is belittling that struggle. The battle is anti-Zionism, anti-occupation and anti-war...and is being fought on both sides. Crying "anti-Semite" every time a view disagrees with the one held by controlling governments is as futile to the peace process as crying wolf. I celebrate the revival of the keffiyah in fashion, and support its message.

posted by Athena

Apr 26, 2007 4:12PM

Salwa thank you for such a wonderful message, I agree totally. Cries of anti-Semitism towards those showing solidarity with a subjugated and down-trodden people is just so crude.

I welcome the sharp rise in people wearing the keffiyah all across the world - ordinary people must take the lead in showing support for the long-suffering people of Palestine.

The powerful will always side with Israel, their watchdog in the Mid-East, but we the people are not as easily corrupted.