When social media star and makeup artist Patrick Starrr decided to pay homage to fashion queen Solange, he probably didn't think that his post—with the caption "Peace. Love. Positivity."—would cause a kerfuffle. If anything, he looks great in his white jumpsuit and...
Peace. Love. Positivity. pic.twitter.com/4nb0d45ZJeAugust 7, 2017
...an afro wig. The hair and outfit combination makes sense when you look at Patrick's inspiration, which was Solange on her wedding day:
Lasts night look was inspired by Solange on her wedding day. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/dIn6acjgNRAugust 7, 2017
But responses to these outfit tweets are rather mixed. On the one hand, there are folks who love Patrick's whole look and inspiration:
Nailed it!August 7, 2017
You look amazing! And you're giving credit to the inspiration of this look. I don't see anything wrong with this. 😊😊August 7, 2017
I have no idea why someone would be offended by that. There are much more important issues to put that energy towards. I love the look!August 7, 2017
It's sad how people feel the need to apologize for EVERYTHING. he clearly stated he's INSPIRED. She's beautiful and so is Patrick!August 8, 2017
But other folks dropped into Patrick's mentions to point out that as a Filipino man, the use of the afro wig could be constituted as a sort of cultural appropriation, even when done in the name of accurate homage:
"Celebrate a beautiful hairstyle" that's how the fuck her hair grows out of her scalp.August 7, 2017
Black women are not a costume. It's good that you are flattered by her but we are not a costume and you could have did it without the Afro.August 8, 2017
Patrick eventually posted an apology/explanation for his outfit:
"I want to apologize for offending anyone with my hairstyle last night. I wanted to celebrate a beautiful hairstyle inspired by Solange. I am not in any way claiming to be black. I am Filipino and accepting and I hope we can all celebrate beauty/diversity all together."
(1/2)I want to apologize for offending anyone with my hairstyle last night. I wanted to celebrate a beautiful hairstyle inspired by Solange.August 7, 2017
(2/2) I am not in any way claiming to be black. I am Filipino and accepting and I hope we can all celebrate beauty/diversity all together❤️August 7, 2017
While it's clear that Patrick was only trying to pay a compliment to a favorite artist, it matters to see him engage with these kinds of culturally-specific critiques, rather than dismissing concerns or acting defensive from another perspective.
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