Barclays marks World Day for Cultural Diversity

 

To mark World Day for Cultural Diversity we asked colleagues to pick an item of clothing that they feel represents their culture: 

 

Sheryl Wen: Qipao/Cheongsam

 

 
“Sometimes known as a mandarin gown, the cheongsam is generally considered to be adapted from the one-piece dress worn by women during the Qing Dynasty. It is a popular outfit for festive and formal occasions like weddings and Chinese New Year.”

 

Rohit Chadha: Kurta
 

 

“The Kurta can be customised depending on the region, weather or occasion it is being worn in; for example, a young groom would wear an embroidered version, whereas I’m wearing a simple version for a casual day out.” 
 

 

Jamie McMillan: Kilt and military uniform
 

 

“My Blackwatch tartan kilt with military uniform is from my time in the Regular Army (pre-Barclays) and Army Reserves (current). Tartan is the traditional outfit of the Scottish - the Blackwatch tartan is the official British Government style.”

 

 

Annika Allen: Headwrap
 

 

“My headwrap has roots in Africa, but it is one of the items worn by Black women across the diaspora. I’m of Jamaican heritage and we also call it a head tie.”
 

 

Hanita Binte Muhammad Ridzwan Chew: Baju Kurung
 

 

“Traditionally worn by the Malay community across the Malay archipelago, the Baju Kurung is commonly worn for cultural and religious events, such as Hari Raya and weddings, and holds rich cultural and historical significance dating back to the 1860s.”
 

 

 Ying Ying Fu: Kebaya
 

 

“The Kebaya is the traditional costume for Peranakan ladies, also known as Nyonya. Nyonyas usually put on the Kebaya for important or special occasions, such as weddings and birthdays.”

 

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