NEW YORK -- The Mexican government has accused the New York-based fashion house Carolina Herrera of cultural appropriation in its Resort Collection 2020.
Mexican Minister of Culture Alejandra Frausto sent a letter Monday to the Venezuelan designer and to Wes Gordon, creative director of Carolina Herrera New York, asking for a public explanation to justify the use of "cultural elements" that belong to certain indigenous communities.
Frausto used as an example the traditional embroidery from Tenango de Doria, in the state of Hidalgo, and from Istmo de Tehuantepec, in the state of Oaxaca.
A spokeswoman for Carolina Herrera issued a statement Wednesday saying that the fashion house recognizes "the wonderful and diverse craft and textile work of Mexican artisans" and that the collection is inspired "by the culture's rich colours and artisanal techniques."
