4Walls: Nandini Narkar challenges cultural appropriation with zine magazine
- Written byS Cheevers
- Published date 17 July 2026
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Celebrating London College of Fashion’s Undergraduate Class of 2026
Drawing on her own upbringing and experience, Nandini Narkar’s final project ‘4Walls Chai Table Book’ aims to tackle cultural appropriation in South Asian fashion. As a graduate of BA (Hons) Critical Practice in Fashion Media, Nandini hopes to use this photobook to challenge harmful visual stereotypes and to bridge the gap between appreciation and appropriation.
‘4Walls' will be showcased at London College of Fashion, UAL’s Undergraduate Class of 2026 Exhibition from 13–18 July.
In her own words, Nandini unveils her creative process, perspective, and intentions behind this reflective and personal piece of work.
My project development journey
I wanted to tackle the rise of cultural appropriation through a widely consumed, accessible medium. Visual media has been an important part of my creative process at university, and I was keen to explore it further for my final project. The project evolved from questioning how media can promote accountability around South Asian cultural appropriation in fashion to how it can raise awareness more broadly.
To ground my work, I explored postcolonial theory, globalisation and the role of social media, helping me distinguish between cultural appropriation and appreciation.
For my final project, I aimed to create a digital community that promoted and raised awareness of South Asian culture beyond Western perceptions by sharing zine content, interviews, and other visual imagery. This digital space aims to be educational and reassuring, reaching wider audiences while highlighting South Asian textile heritage and the importance of acknowledging its origins in Western fashion.
Ultimately, I aim to empower South Asian creatives and ethically engaged consumers, encouraging meaningful cultural exchange. The outcome is a photobook that exists both digitally and physically, centred on South Asian fashion visuals and voices.
What inspired my project
I come from a family that celebrates India’s rich textile and craft traditions. Moving to a new country and studying fashion as a minority was a daunting experience.
I came across the “Scandinavian scarves” trend, a recent viral fashion trend in which shawl-like scarves resembling traditional South Asian dupattas or shawls are styled as everyday accessories and dubbed Eurocentric fashion. This disregard for cultural context made me question my future in the industry. If the space I wanted to build my career in treated my heritage this way, would I ever feel fully recognised within it?
Through conversations with peers, I realised this concern was widely shared. I wanted to respond by creating a space that educates and encourages thoughtful collaboration with South Asian culture, shifting appropriation towards appreciation.
This was never about restricting access to our culture, but about ensuring credit is given where it’s due.
The perspectives that were important for me to include
By collaborating with South Asian designers and creatives, I was able to expand the project globally, including voices from students in New York and London.
It was important to represent a range of perspectives, from students to professionals, highlighting how attitudes towards cultural appropriation evolve throughout a career.
I explored how representation is experienced in academic spaces, how students see their future in the industry, and what changes professionals hope to see.
What I learnt through making 4Walls
Through collaboration and engaging with diverse perspectives, I was able to deepen the project in ways I hadn’t expected.
I developed strategic visuals, styling and graphic design that communicate meaning before text is introduced. Each stylistic decision reflects South Asian culture while remaining contemporary.
I also gained a deeper appreciation for print media, recognising how intentional design choices can strengthen storytelling and communicate complex ideas.
I would love readers to take away...
I hope to encourage more informed purchasing decisions. The next time you step into Zara and consider a dress with a “Scandinavian scarf,” I invite you to rethink that choice, perhaps supporting independent brands led by minority communities instead.
By engaging with brands and platforms that center minority voices, we can contribute to a more inclusive global fashion landscape.
This isn’t about making culture exclusive, but about making the world more inclusive. South Asian culture is a powerful force, and I hope to see India’s creative industries continue to open up to the world on their own terms.
- Find out more on Nandini’s website
The LCF Undergraduate Class of 2026 Exhibition is open from 13 July – 18 July 2026, Monday – Saturday, 10am - 5pm at London College of Fashion, UAL, East Bank campus.
Join us in the Ground Floor Lecture Theatre to watch the catwalk livestream. Free and open to the public; seats are available on a first come, first served basis.
- View the catwalk livestream schedule
- Read more LCF Stories