Noun. In modern art and fashion, there has been an increasing trend of romanticizing “foreign” cultures that have been the victims of oppression and erasure throughout history. Through the exploitation of “exotic” aesthetics and designs, (particularly Western) creators are able to further commodify the heritage of historically disenfranchised peoples. Examples of such exoticism are prevalent in Western adoptions of “oriental” styles, with the “foreign” nature of such designs propelling the profits of non-Asian artists. Even beyond the scope of artistic creation, language such as “china doll” or “geisha girls” in casual social contexts reflect the exoticization of Asian individuals and serve to perpetuate harmful stereotypes that have negatively affected the Western perception of East Asian populations.

Examples

“Amidst the granny kitsch oversized sunglasses, extra scarves and embellished coats and bags, what seem to be Michele’s house style for Gucci so far, out came turbans, bindis, ‘third eyes’, head scarves and accessories in the shape of East Asian architecture.”

Begum, Tahmina. “Gucci Criticised for Cultural Appropriation on a Global Scale.” Huffington Post (blog). Entry posted February 22, 2018. https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/
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