Unveiling the Global Impact of Fashion
- instyle2324
- Nov 28, 2023
- 3 min read
MAHAK CHAUNDRY for MacInStyle
Monday November 27th 2023
Erica Robin, First ever Miss Universe Pakistan Contestant
What does fashion mean to you?
To me, it surrounds the art of expression, positivity, innovation, and above all, emphasizing my cultural history. In recent weeks, witnessing the first-ever Miss Universe Pakistan was an incredible moment for me, as it represented a significant step towards greater representation of my ethnicity in the media at such a broad scale. Miss Universe is a competition that gives light to so many communities, so it was a huge moment to finally see someone in the running from a country where my family is from.
The global shift in fashion accentuates the beauty of cultural diversity, where each geographic location uses fashion to strengthen identity and a sense of connection to its region. Colour in Indian fashion. Modesty in the Middle East. Bold prints used in Nigerian culture. Sustainable fashion in Sweden. The diversity and innovation of global fashion trends can go on so let's take a deeper dive of the unique aspects within cultural fashion.
1. Patterns
The use of patterns in clothing corresponds to the cultural history and traditions deeply rooted within a community and is therefore a factor that largely contributes to fashion trends.
Japan - Patterns are said to bring good fortune in Japan, where much consideration is given to where they are placed on clothing items like kimonos. Ex: cherry blossoms
Turkey - Geometric patterns and textiles, seen beyond clothing and in other pieces like Turkish lamps and carpets
Traditional Turkish dresses with geometric patterns throughout Modern take on Japanese street style with traditional prints
2. Accessories
I am someone who constantly needs to wear jewelry, especially gold jewelry which is a symbol of my culture. From earrings to rings, gotta plug the drip. Even around the globe, accessories can represent someone’s status or one’s cultural identity.
Saudi Arabia - Hijabs, a headpiece, demonstrates modesty
Africa - Beaded and vibrant jewelry
Italy - Leather accessories from belts, purses, and shoes
In the Middle-East, modesty and elegance is represented through the hijab and abaya while in Italy, the use of leather in fashion can symbolize wealth. Despite a huge difference in both areas, the people wear their clothing with confidence!
3. Fabric
The use of fabric surrounds climate factors, resource availability, and historic meaning and is a prominent factor in fashion trends worldwide.
India - Cotton is used due to the hot climate and silk is preferably used in the making of cultural clothing like Sarees
Peru - Due to greater accessibility and the cold climate, alpaca wool is a common material used
Paying attention to fabric around the world with the Alpaca wool scarf in Peru to keep warm and the silk material in Indian sarees to withstand the heat.
There are so many other unique pieces within fashion trends around the world. So the next time you spot someone wearing a unique piece of clothing, ask them about it. Learn more about your cultural history. Feel more confident in what you wear. Tell a story. Who knows, maybe you’ll be next year’s fashion icon like Sofia Richie or Hailey Bieber.
Or maybe, you might become the new embodiment of cultural representation for young girls, because even as an adult, I think about what it would mean to my young self seeing Miss Universe Pakistan!
Until the next time!
References
French , C. (2017). Patterns around the world: Japanese, Maori, Islamic, Aztec/mayan,
African. Patterns Around the World: Japanese, Maori, Islamic, Aztec/ Mayan, African. https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?httpsredir=1&article=1025&context=cap-curr
Greig-Andrews, C. (2020, September 11). Textile traditions from around the world.
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