I have decided to remove the Suki Robe from our pattern collection. The use of the word ‘Suki’ is cultural appropriation and I am sorry for using a Japanese word to name the pattern and for not removing the name sooner. I previously called this pattern a 'Kimono' and I am deeply sorry for that as well. I am committed to learning and changing my behaviour when I realize I’ve made a mistake.
Why using a Japanese name for my pattern is wrong for me:
I am a white woman without a personal connection to Japan, and there were no Japanese people involved in the design or naming of this pattern. I thought this name suited the design because it was inspired by the beauty of Japanese Kimono, but I did not dig deeper to learn about its cultural significance.
I did not realize that using a Japanese word to name this dressing robe pattern plays into harmful stereotypes that perpetuate the fetishization of Asian women.
My admiration for this traditional garment was based primarily on aesthetics. I saw something beautiful and I wanted to reflect its beauty in my own design - to “appropriate it” as my own.
What I’ve learned:
I still have a lot to learn on this subject but I want to share what I now know.
Cultural appropriation dehumanizes people from that culture by taking their language, traditions, and cultural practices out of a meaningful context. While designers like myself may think we are paying homage, being ‘inspired’, or respectfully ‘borrowing’ from other cultures, our actions contribute to the long history of dominant colonial cultures stealing from and oppressing others. This behaviour can unwittingly perpetuate hateful stereotypes and the kinds of violence that continues unabated today.
Over the last week, we heard from many Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) members of our community about their personal experiences in which they are made to feel unsafe or like an outsider. I want to thank everyone who has taken the time and energy to talk openly, share resources, and reached out to me about this issue. Thank you.
Next steps:
I am discontinuing this pattern and removing it from our shop.
For those who have already purchased the robe, we have updated the pattern files and changed the name. You can access your Helen’s Closet Dressing Robe in the My Downloads area of your account. If you have not set up an account or are having difficulties with access, please email us at support@helensclosetpatterns.com.
One more thing:
If you decide to share your make of this pattern, please use the name Helen’s Closet Dressing Robe or tag it #HCdressingrobe. If you have previously shared your version of this pattern, please consider updating the name and/or hashtag on your post.
At Helen’s Closet Patterns, we will continue to do our best to be actively anti-racist and support members of our community through our ongoing work creating patterns and celebrating sewing.
We are making monetary donations to Elimin8hate and CCNC-SJ.
Thanks for reading,
Helen
