An interview with Christopher Gopaul in response to Cross culture and gender fluidity in Fashion

During Kelly’s MA course, each student chose a topic and title to focus on for their dissertation and she chose to focus on How can a brand positively reflect cross-cultural identities for a multi-heritage consumer?

Kelly was then in the search for finding people relevant to interview, researching and composing survey’s to the public. This blog she wishes to share in relation to the brand on how brands are supposed to represent through their story and the difference between cultural appropriation and cross cultures.

The first part of her introduction in the dissertation was:

‘A brand can explore diverse cultures through acknowledging consumers’ multi-heritage backgrounds. Brands such as Gucci, Versace, and Prada have been taking advantage of cultural and racial diversity by using them as a marketing strategy within the fashion industry. However, this is not without shortcomings such as misrepresentation of cultures. Coming, from a multicultural background I find this subject emotive. Therefore, taking into consideration the different issues that may arise when representing a culture in fashion, my brand Cassine aims to fuse African and Indian textiles through sustainable fashion and explore genderless fashion.’

Here are some of the people Kelly has interviewed during this time, questions that have been asked and answered. Think how this may reflect on you and what you think on cultural appropriation and cross culture. Do you think gender fluidity has changed within the Fashion industry?

Christopher Gopaul was born and currently live in London. His parents are both from Mauritius and consider himself to be a British-Mauritian. He works as a performer in theatre, due to COVID he was not able to perform and was working as receptionist at a gym as well as teaching dance and musical theatre to students via Zoom. Since then, after covid restrictions lifted he was then performing, touring and now in the West End, featured in Hairspray, Dreamgirls, Ain’t too proud for the Temptations, and now in MJ the musical.

Image: Christopher casted in the MJ Musical which is being shown in the West End

I consider myself to be very extro- verted and outgoing. I love socialising and going out, but also have those days where I love just lying in bed with Netflix and crisps. I have worked in hotels as a singer before then being a member of the ensemble of Motown The Musical: UK & Ireland Tour. Early this year I was supposed to join the London cast of Hairspray however this was not able to happen due to the pandemic.

Image: ain’t too proud, the life and time of the temptations press night

How do you feel about Gender neutrality within the fashion industry?

It makes me so happy to see gender neutrality becoming even more prominent in the fashion industry. When I was growing up, clothes for men were for men and clothes for women were for women. But seeing those lines be blurred and mixed is such a great move forward. From jumpsuits and kilts, to the mixing of fabrics such as lace and silk for men, and leather and suits for women is beautiful to watch be created and evolve.

What does your identity mean to you and do you think what you wear expresses your identity?

My identity is incredibly important to me as it’s what I use for my presence in both work and day-to-day life. I dress according to what mood I feel like I’m in, or depending on what vibe I would like to create for each event I am going to. i like to blend the mix of what is traditional, with something that stands out. I might wear a tailored suit with a bold print, or a jumpsuit with smart boots and a turtle neck. Of course there are times I just wear a t-shirt and jeans for no other reason that for what I am doing, my outfit isn’t important. Save the best bits for when you really want to make a statement.

What does it mean to be cross-cultural/dual heritage?

My dual heritage is who I am. I am so proud to come from Mauritius. From the music and the food to the culture, dancing and fashion from my island, it has become a part of me. I also believe coming from a family of dual religion also is a part of me. I think the intricacies of Hindu dress to be so incredibly beautiful and there are times when I use these as part of my fashion too.

Has social media made a big impact with the way we represent ourselves or express our identities?

Yes. I believe social media is probably the biggest affect to my identity. I would not dress or be who I am without the inference of others from social media. However, This does not mean that I rely social media to be who I am. that is something very different, and relying on social media, if anything, destroys your creativity. When growing up I always believed that we couldn’t merge the lines of what was considered male and female. From using social media over the years to see that this is possible, it has allowed me to be more experimental with the way I dress.

How do you feel about gender neutrality through traditional fusion wear, will this affect the cultures in. Bad way or will this help others in those cultures to express themselves?

I believe Gender Neutrality would be incredible to see in traditional fusion wear. I feel it still needs its big breakthrough, as people still see it as taboo for man to wearing jewels and for a female to wear plain clothing in most fusion dress. I believe that clothing would give people more of an identity as if someone from a certain background is struggling with their life, they could use their clothing as a form expression. They could be seen as a pioneer of fashion, rather than their religion, sexuality or anything else to do with their culture.

image: Dream Girls tour in Bristol