Supreme Spring/ Summer 2017 Collection got even more controversial.
We date back to 2009, when the then new President, Barack Obama, visited Ghana. To commemorate the visit, locals produced many ‘Kangas’ which is a traditional large piece of textile with vibrant patterns and political graphics. The Kangas had ”Akwaaba” (which means ”Welcome”) written across the garment. The New York brand changed it to ”Supreme”. Some fans noticed the similarities, some accused the brand of appropriating traditional African culture without giving credit where it was due, some argued that Supreme was only paying homage to the original design and some took to twitter:
Supreme copied local prints and symbols from Ghana to make that Obama hoodie. They’ve used a Ghana flag too before. Power to the people.
— Be Yourself (@RapFENDI) February 13, 2017
So let’s talk about how Supreme just blatantly COPIED a Ghanaian fabric They didn’t even try to change it. Just slapped “supreme” on it. pic.twitter.com/i2pR8V4dNB
— Denzel. (@fauxdenzel) February 14, 2017
Many do not remember that an actress Victoria Rowells also wore the original ”Akwaaba” dress to the Emmy Awards back in 2009.
Was this Supreme’s way of paying homage or did they just copy the traditional design? Let us know what you think.
