[Spiritual]
Fashion is an ever-evolving concept that truly has no boundaries when it comes to creativity and imagination. There is no end to how a designer can utilise their mind to create the gorgeous garments that shoppers buy and wear with love.
Today we would like to take a moment to honour certain fashion trends from around the globe that have influenced and inspired worldwide clothing choices.
The Sari
The sari is a beautifully simple garment from India. It is a single piece of fabric that will usually measure between four and nine meters in length. It is wrapped around the body, and can be done so in many different ways.
The sari is regarded as a symbol of grace in Indian culture, and the word ‘sari’ comes from the Sanskrit word for ‘strip of cloth’.
One of our favourite facts about the sari is that it is a garment that is adopted by a huge range of people in India. From subtle cotton saris that are worn in the most rural villages of the country, to luxurious garments made of indulgent fabrics that can be seen on the catwalks during Indian Fashion Week and in everyday high society.
The Kimono
The kimono is a traditional garment of Japanese origin. It is a full length robe that is considered to be formal attire, and is most notably worn by women during festivals or very formal occasions. The robe itself is secured in place with the use of a sash, known as an obi. The word ‘kimono’ simply means ‘a thing to wear’.
When wearing the kimono, a person will also usually put on traditional footwear to match, with split toe socks. Although it is most commonly worn by women for formal occasions, some of the older generation – both men and women – can still be seen to wear the kimono for everyday purposes today. This is something that can certainly be expected to decline as the prominence of western fashion grows in the east.
The Kilt
The kilt is one of the most symbolic parts of Scottish culture, and dates back as far as the 16th century. The word ‘kilt’ is arguably of Scandinavian origin, and means to tuck clothes around the body.
When it first emerged, the kilt was a full length garment with an upper portion that would be draped over the shoulder. Throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, the way the kilt was worn evolved, until the smaller version that is still seen today came into use.
This popular piece of clothing was even adopted by the Scottish military up until the late 1900’s. Soldiers wearing the kit in combat during the First World War led to the nickname, “Ladies From Hell’, being given by German troops who encountered these soldiers in the trenches!
Today the kilt is not seen so often on the streets, but can be observed during Scottish traditions, such as the Highland Games.
Conical Hats
The conical hats of Asia are worn throughout the continent, but today are most prominently used in Vietnam. Its primary purpose is to protect the wearer from the sun and the rain, and it is usually made of straw.
Conical hats are worn by many different types of people. For example, farmers will wear these hats whilst they tend to their fields, certain soldiers will wear them whilst on duty, and they are also worn during festivities and celebrations. However, conical hats are also often worn by people who are simply going about their daily business!