Fashion Heard Around the World

Fashion, although at times can seem revolutionary, has taken influences from people, places, and cultures. Although some trends, styles, and accessories pop up in America seemingly overnight, many have existed in other countries and cultures for centuries.

Whether it may be bangles, animal print, or even street style, many of these fashions have been influenced by minorities and their cultures. Top fashion houses have been curating collections driven by these influences for years, even if it is not always obvious. By using textiles inspired by African culture, accessories derived by Indian women, and even certain silhouettes, an abundance of influences in the fashion world have been led by ethnic and minority backgrounds. 

One of the most prevalent influences to date is by far those taken from African culture. Animal print is one of the most prominent prints in our world today, dominating American stores, its influences come from those of safari wildlife. These designs have been worn by Africans centuries before they hit the racks of department stores. Egypt specifically has created numerous fashion identities for women around the world, whether it may be in the popularity of turquoise and gold jewelry, or even the incorporation of holographic in patterns and textiles (Pulse, 2007). Street style has also become extremely popular in America, turning tennis shoes into a statement, and basing an outfit around that. However, African Americans have been debuting this style for years, coining the term “sneakerhead” before they were seen on every street block. Textiles, patterns, and bright fiery colors have all been inspired and influenced by African cultures and wardrobes, hitting the runways and exiting wardrobes overnight (Leeuw, 2012). Designers have always taken inspiration from African culture, and as this group’s population grows in America, so will their influence in fashion’s climate.

Indian culture has also proven to be loved in fashion, particularly in accessories. The popularity of bangles and chandelier earrings has risen so much they have become a staple in many’s wardrobes. Ranging in sizes, materials, and colors, these accessories have been worn by many and created a statement along the way. Turbans have even been ‘debuted’ in shows, showcasing bright colors and designs, and although this may seem revolutionary to some, Indian culture has been wearing turbans for centuries and is an indistinguishable characteristic of their heritage. Even elaborate embroidery and indigo are inspired by Indian culture, especially Indian women. Indigo is ideal for India’s harsh summers, thus it has been worn for centuries, and is being adopted into western culture through mini dresses, creating a contemporary and western feel (Haque, 2018). Indian designs have been incorporated into Western culture for centuries, even if it is as simple as the beads on one’s skirt, or an array of bangles. 

Chinese culture has also had a wave of influence on the fashion industry, as dragon prints, traditional garments, Chinese characters, and flowered prints have swept the fashion industry for years. Chinese fashion has even had enough influence on the fashion industry to be one of the themes for the Met Gala, one of the biggest nights in fashion. The Met delved into the influence Chinese aesthetic on Western culture and showed how its culture influenced some of the biggest names in fashion including Paul Poiret and Yves Saint Laurent (Cotter, 2015). Western designers have brought their Asian influences to America, showing kimono style dresses, ethnic prints and designs, as well as even hairstyles coined from Chinese culture. 

Although fashion in America can sometimes seem revolutionary, if looked at close enough, its roots and origins can be dated back to other cultures and countries, often enough, those of ethnic minorities in America today. 

References

Cotter, H. (2015, May 7). Review: In 'China: Through the Looking Glass,' Eastern Culture Meets Western Fashion. The New York Times. Retrieved June 28, 2020, from http://Review: In 'China: Through the Looking Glass,' Eastern Culture Meets Western Fashion

Haque, P. (2018, April 19). Indian Influence On International Fashion. Fashion Industry Broadcast. Retrieved June 28, 2020, from https://fashionindustrybroadcast.com/2018/04/19/indian-influence-on-international-fashion/#:~:text=India%20has%20been%20influenced%20by,has%20been%20influenced%20by%20India.&text=The%20inclusion%20of%20a%20handful,embroidery%20popular%20in%20Indian%20fashion.

Leeuw, N. (2012, October 29). African prints dominate Fashion Week. Mail and Guardian. Retrieved June 28, 2020, from https://mg.co.za/article/2012-10-29-african-prints-dominate-fashion-week/

Pulse. (2007). Ethnic Influences on American Style. The Pulse. Retrieved June 28, 2020, from http://thepulsemag.com/wordpress/2007/10/1007-ethnic-influences-on-american-style