Kim Kardashian’s stylist Dany Levi recently sparked controversy when she referred to former Indian beauty queen Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as ‘exotic’ in a video posted on Instagram. In the video, Levi talked about styling the Kardashians for their trip to Mumbai for the Ambani wedding, which has been labeled as the most expensive wedding in the world, costing over $600 million. Levi mentioned that the Indian outfits worn by Kim and Khloe during the wedding were inspired by Aishwarya, which received criticism from users for over-sexualizing the looks.
The video posted by Levi has gained more than 30,000 likes, but some users, like Aarjvi Jain, pointed out that Kim’s looks were better than Khloe’s, with the Indian eye perceiving the outfits as over-sexualized. Kim and Khloe wore outfits designed by Manish Malhotra and Tarun Tahiliani, as well as jewellery by Lorraine Schwartz. Levi captioned her original post by thanking Kim and Khloe for being her ‘Indian Barbies’ for the wedding, expressing gratitude to India for sharing its culture and traditions.
During their visit to Mumbai for the Ambani wedding, the Kardashians also took time to serve food to children at the ISKCON temple. The wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant attracted global attention and saw the presence of high-profile guests, including the Kardashians. Levi’s comment about Aishwarya Rai Bachchan being ‘exotic’ sparked a debate on cultural appropriation and the representation of Indian culture in Western media.
The concept of cultural exchange and appreciation versus appropriation has been a topic of discussion in the fashion industry and beyond. The Kardashians’ visit to India for the Ambani wedding highlighted the intersection of cultures and the portrayal of Indian traditions in mainstream Western media. The controversy surrounding Levi’s comment underscores the importance of respecting and acknowledging the cultural heritage of others when borrowing elements for creative inspiration.
The Kardashians’ influence on fashion and style is undeniable, but it is essential for stylists and influencers to be mindful of the impact of their words and actions on different cultures. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who has been a global fashion icon for decades, represents Indian beauty and talent on an international stage, and labeling her as ‘exotic’ diminishes her identity to a stereotype. Moving forward, it is crucial for fashion industry professionals to approach cross-cultural collaborations with sensitivity and understanding to promote inclusivity and diversity in the industry.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Kim Kardashian’s stylist Dany Levi’s comment about Aishwarya Rai Bachchan being ‘exotic’ highlights the need for greater cultural awareness and sensitivity in the fashion industry. The Kardashians’ visit to India for the Ambani wedding, while showcasing a fusion of Indian and Western fashion, also brought to light discussions about cultural appropriation and representation. By promoting inclusivity and respecting the cultural heritage of others, the fashion industry can create a more diverse and understanding environment for creativity and collaboration. It is essential for stylists and influencers to use their platform responsibly and advocate for cultural appreciation rather than appropriation.
