Appropriation vs appreciation has been front and centre in the media lately, due in part to the baseball team from Cleveland finally changing it’s name to the Cleveland Guardians. It’s a topic we all should be well informed on given the way cultures and cultural symbols are being used for financial gain of those not part of the culture. The Power of Style: How Fashion and Beauty are Being Used to Reclaim Cultures by Christian Allare is a gorgeous book to teach readers the difference as well as to celebrate fashion and beauty.

The Power of Style is dedicated to the readers who feel like they are not seen or heard. This book is a celebration of beauty in all its wild and wonderful expressions. Even if you are not a fashion maven, this book will inspire you to think differently about the fashion and the beauty choices we make day to day and also understand how to show appreciation for the beauty in those around us. 

This nonfiction text features different fashion moments through six different sections all focusing on different areas of beauty. Readers will learn about Indigenous ribbon work, how hair can represent culture and individuality, how cosplayers are promoting body positivity, hijab fashion, non-binary people and men in heels and makeup. Through each section readers learn from many different experts to gain a wider knowledge about how fashion is helping to push boundaries and reclaim identity. I especially love the page where Allaire defines cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation. It is so important that we understand and internalize the difference to make good choices when purchasing clothing or other items with cultural motifs. One example now are the orange shirts being sold everywhere. If you are purchasing, be sure to purchase from Indigenous creators and designers.

Teachers: Annick Press has an incredible lesson plan and resources you can use with students for Power of Style. Check it out HERE.

There is a wealth of knowledge and information within these pages and readers will come away with a better appreciation for the beauty that is ever present. Whether you live in a big city with a lot of diversity or a small homogenous town, there is so, so much to learn from all of the incredible creators Christian Allaire has brought together. Inspiration exudes throughout the pages and the book provides a significant reminder to readers, especially young readers who are beginning to develop their own sense of style, that beauty is everywhere and we are all beautiful. Embracing the things that we love and wearing them outwardly shows pride and confidence and demonstrates a connection to something bigger.