The controversy centers around the similarity between Balmain’s face jewels in their Fall/Winter Men’s collection and Tongoro’s ‘Cairo’ face piece, bringing up issues of cultural appropriation and the need for recognition of nonwestern creativity. The controversy highlights the larger problem of cultural appropriation and the lack of recognition for creativity from Africa and other nonwestern regions in the fashion industry. This conversation prompts the need for a more inclusive, respectful, and equitable global fashion industry.
