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To think Meghan should have chosen a Nigerian stylist

278 replies

LateAF · 12/05/2024 07:33

For her Nigerian tour. Whoever put the outfits together for her has no clue on culturally appropriate attire. When I was a child it was drummed into me to cover my shoulders- especially in formal settings. So far all her dresses have been strappy or shoulder less (even backless!), while all the women in the photos with her have their shoulders covered as is the norm.

Also the relentless neutrals are uninspiring in a country where colourful clothing is standard. There are many amazing Nigerian or west African designers she could have highlighted on this tour (one of the images is from Lagos fashion week).

Please this is NOT a Meghan bashing thread so take your nasty comments to the Royal Family board (hence why I didn’t post on there). I think she looks stunning and her hair and makeup have been spot on. I also like how welcoming the Nigerian community have been- and I know they will give her a pass for her outfits since she’s an outsider. Just wondering what the consensus is.

YABU- she’s a foreigner so can dress how she likes
YANBU- clothing on a “royal” tour should be culturally appropriate and tailored to that region

To think Meghan should have chosen a Nigerian stylist
To think Meghan should have chosen a Nigerian stylist
To think Meghan should have chosen a Nigerian stylist
To think Meghan should have chosen a Nigerian stylist
To think Meghan should have chosen a Nigerian stylist
OP posts:
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Noras · 12/05/2024 09:03

I think that it emphasised the difference between a royal tour and this non royal tour. On a royal tour she would have been advised to dress more appropriately as royalty do when abroad. This is just a private tour so she dresses as she wants to. It’s not what I would have worn. I agree that it’s a pity that with such a small royal family we are in this position as the King is not getting any younger and more royalty is needed not less.

LateAF · 12/05/2024 09:03

lunitunes · 12/05/2024 08:58

Hmmm I am a Nigerian who had a traditional wedding in Ogun state and neither myself of any of my bridesmaids had coveted soldiers. In fact, many of the younger women had off shoulder traditional clothing so think Nigerian fashion has moved on from what you think of is.

Fair enough if she was wearing off shoulder traditional wear at a traditional wedding as that would be more formal. Igbo traditional bridal wedding wear is also typically off shoulder.

I think it’s the combination of non-traditional wear and the setting being formal political spaces that makes it inappropriate. Would you honestly say you would wear strapless non traditional dresses in those settings? I don’t think Nigerian cultural expectation has moved on that far. Just look at how the Nigerian women are dressed.

OP posts:
GoodAfternoonGoodEveningAndGoodnight · 12/05/2024 09:05

AliceKyteler · 12/05/2024 07:38

If she had though the Meghan haters would have accused her of cultural appropriation.
Not that they care about that sort of thing. She can't win though can she?

Exactly this.
Whatever she does it'd have been found fault with.

PickledMumion · 12/05/2024 09:06

BigBadBarri · 12/05/2024 08:49

What’s the difference between cultural appropriation and celebrating culture? How could anyone tell the difference?

It mostly depends on context. If a white person is celebrated for, or profits from, something that others have been mocked/discriminated for over the years, especially if they show no awareness of any specific meaning it may hold, then that can cause resentment.

I've been to two Indian weddings - I was too worried to wear a sari to the first, but when I saw how many white people were wearing wearing traditional Indian dress, I did wear one to the second wedding. It was intended, and perceived, as a celebration of a beautiful item of clothing. If I then brought out my own clothing line and started posing constantly in a sari on insta to try and sell them, that would be less well received!

But it's always worth remembering that there's no actual law against cultural appropriation. Just trial by social media.

taleasoldashoney · 12/05/2024 09:06

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🙄

JamSandle · 12/05/2024 09:07

She's probably wearing what she feels comfortable in.

QueSyrahSyrah · 12/05/2024 09:07

I agree with you OP. The suggestion of cultural appropriation is ridiculous, nobody is saying she needs to turn up in full traditional Nigerian dress, just to wear something that covers her shoulders like most respectful people do when visiting conservative countries, particularly in a formal situation.

As for the comment about British dress and banning what others choose to wear in Britain, dressing respectfully is usually about a minimum level of coverage. I don't know that Britain has a visitors who wear less than some of our finest citizens did in the sun yesterday. If hairy beer guts hanging over badly fitting board shorts in the supermarket is where our bar for appropriate public attire sits then I'll take a thobe any day.

JamSandle · 12/05/2024 09:08

QueSyrahSyrah · 12/05/2024 09:07

I agree with you OP. The suggestion of cultural appropriation is ridiculous, nobody is saying she needs to turn up in full traditional Nigerian dress, just to wear something that covers her shoulders like most respectful people do when visiting conservative countries, particularly in a formal situation.

As for the comment about British dress and banning what others choose to wear in Britain, dressing respectfully is usually about a minimum level of coverage. I don't know that Britain has a visitors who wear less than some of our finest citizens did in the sun yesterday. If hairy beer guts hanging over badly fitting board shorts in the supermarket is where our bar for appropriate public attire sits then I'll take a thobe any day.

I dont see the need to criticise people's appearances?

Humans are born without clothes. The shame that people have adopted over nudity is learned not natural.

ALovelyCupOfNameChange · 12/05/2024 09:10

Celticliving · 12/05/2024 07:43

What is it with women trying to tell other women what to wear?

Literally the job of a stylist

Mumoftwinsandasingleton · 12/05/2024 09:11

Scarletttulips · 12/05/2024 07:46

It is critical. She can wear what she wants. Imagine a Britain where everyone had to stick to British dress? There would be uproar.

But there is no "British dress". British people can dress however they want. From looking like sex workers to looking like nuns. All acceptable over here

x2boys · 12/05/2024 09:11

Just leave the women alone, whatever she does its not right and people will find offence in it
Or post on the royal family board ,with all the other obsessive posters who delight in ripping her to shreds .

PTSDBarbiegirl · 12/05/2024 09:12

She's American and not on a 'Royal' tour. She's sticking to her personal classic look. Pre tour research should highlight cultural conventions re covering up etc. She always looks absolutely beautiful. Some of the dresses looked slightly big on her but she has her own style, Harry could get some decent footwear though.

Smidge001 · 12/05/2024 09:12

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SuuzeeeQ · 12/05/2024 09:13

She is not a working royal, it’s not an official tour. Nobody cares. She clearly has shit advisors or does not listen, no change there. I am at a loss why she is there even. For me she hadn’t done anything interesting or relevant for years.

DrinkFeckArseBrick · 12/05/2024 09:14

Its not cultural appropriation or Nigerian style to cover your shoulders! Plenty of western clothing has covered shoulders, its not unique to Nigeria.

FaeryRing · 12/05/2024 09:15

I’m pretty indifferent on Meghan tbh and don’t hate her with a passion like many seem to, but YANBU. I understand Nigeria is quite a conservative Christian/Islamic country and more modest dress (especially as it was a ‘tour’ - engagements not just casual visits) would’ve been more appropriate. Her bare shoulders, cleavage and back looked out of place compared to the locals and officials in attendance and tbh a bit disrespectful/amateur.

The whole tour has baffled me tbh; I don’t understand the point of it, why they’re doing it, what they’re trying to achieve, it seems really random and strange. Especially given they’re ’private individuals’

OneTC · 12/05/2024 09:20

socialwannabe · 12/05/2024 08:27

Bloody hell, I wouldn’t expect a white non-Indian woman to wear a sari to an Indian wedding! That would be inappropriate surely!

No. It's very normal.

LateAF · 12/05/2024 09:23

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Do you realise how racist you and @lljkk both sound right now? Commenting on her blackness like that. She absolutely experienced racism whether you’re willing to admit it or not.

OP posts:
FaeryRing · 12/05/2024 09:24

PTSDBarbiegirl · 12/05/2024 09:12

She's American and not on a 'Royal' tour. She's sticking to her personal classic look. Pre tour research should highlight cultural conventions re covering up etc. She always looks absolutely beautiful. Some of the dresses looked slightly big on her but she has her own style, Harry could get some decent footwear though.

It may not be a Royal tour but it is a tour- work, effectively, meeting with officials and carrying out engagements (although for what purpose nobody knows). She should’ve dressed like she was working - not in a suit, but just appropriately and taking into account local custom.

Scintella · 12/05/2024 09:28

Why were they there?
Seems like a Royal tour by a non royal. Did a google search but no one says why it’s happening.

Pollipops1 · 12/05/2024 09:34

I struggle to think of her as not white though.
A constant refrain is about her being.. .something Not White.

I was absolutely incredulous when at some point it was mentioned about her being black. I mean, she just isn't!

Always with the racism, it’s embarrassing

pizzaHeart · 12/05/2024 09:35

I absolutely agree with you OP. Clothes should be appropriate and consider cultural context. Meghan is invited as a country guest, every time she is out it’s VIP visit, official at least on Nigerian side so imo she should have thought carefully on what’s appropriate to wear. People would appreciate her efforts and value this visit more. It’s about missed opportunity to do a very clever thing.
By the way I don’t think that it’s Meghan bashing thread on your side. Quite the opposite. You want the visit to be the best possible and recognize its importance.
Those who say “she is just an actress“ making digs at Meghan. Because she is not, it’s not that simple.

taleasoldashoney · 12/05/2024 09:35

LateAF · 12/05/2024 09:23

Do you realise how racist you and @lljkk both sound right now? Commenting on her blackness like that. She absolutely experienced racism whether you’re willing to admit it or not.

I agree. The pulling apart of someone's appearance and family growing up so that they can decide if someone is "white" or "black" instead of just accepting they are biracial/mixed race is incredibly racist

PTSDBarbiegirl · 12/05/2024 09:36

FaeryRing · 12/05/2024 09:24

It may not be a Royal tour but it is a tour- work, effectively, meeting with officials and carrying out engagements (although for what purpose nobody knows). She should’ve dressed like she was working - not in a suit, but just appropriately and taking into account local custom.

She did dress in a suit. They have advisers and PR so presumably they chose, as is their want.. to do their own thing. What should Harry have worn, what do our politicians have to wear when they visit Nigeria or is it just women who need policed?

taleasoldashoney · 12/05/2024 09:36

Scintella · 12/05/2024 09:28

Why were they there?
Seems like a Royal tour by a non royal. Did a google search but no one says why it’s happening.

They were invited by Nigeria