Ethnic fashion, What is it?
Cover photo credit: Photo by Kris Atomic on Unsplash
The items of ethnic fashion are generally recognized by their vivid colors and their graphic patterns. The fabric, whether dyed, woven or printed, is a fervent representative of a culture, of a history, of traditions.
Ethnic fashion lets people discover and become familiar with other cultures. In other words, it is a stylistic exploration that leads us to distant lands, to discover new horizons.
Our 21st-century designers are constantly drawing inspiration from their travels, cultural discoveries, historical research, and observations of today's world.
Coo-Mon, designer of ethnic fashion accessories, invites you to travel ... from the comfort of your home!
Particularities of ethnic fashion
Ethnic fashion is inspired by the traditional dress of indigenous or minority communities in Quebec (in Canada) from around the world, mainly Africa, Asia, and South America.
Ethnic fashion is differentiated by an unexpected and distinctive color mix, most often bright and so-called "hot" shades - namely the ones that include yellow in their composition.
These colors are arranged in a structured way, in graphical prints, in rectilinear or curved shapes.
The African wax print made a strong entry into the landscape of urban fashion, and they are now declined in fashion accessories (scarves, bow ties, belts, etc.), handbags, clothing and furniture objects.
When we talk about ethnic patterns, one cannot help but think of the famous Aztec print – strongly acclaimed by the fans of the ‘’boho chic ‘’ style - or even of the creole Madras.
Each civilization, people or tribe has developed a unique identity, enriched and influenced by historical events, migratory flows, or even of economic exchanges. Fashion belongs to the cultural heritage and is the reflection of customs, societal trends and habits of a segment of the population at a certain time.
When it comes to clothing items, the western world has often borrowed from the flagship parts that could be easily coupled to contemporary outfits. Sarouels, tunics, Tunisian collar, sarong, poncho…so many shapes, clothing or accessories that we have already included in our wardrobes, yet are from well-defined cultures.
A highlighted knowledge
The clothes we buy today in the major fashion stores are mainly manufactured and printed on an industrial scale. These processes are automated, and the human’s hand is mechanized to the benefit of performance. It is no longer a matter of putting a humanly and unique touch on each product, but rather of designing a maximum of items to sell.
When you go to shops specialized in ethnic and ethnic fashion, you will learn more about artisanal manufacturing processes. It is necessary to understand that the traditional techniques of dyeing, printing, weaving or embroidery are a matter of ancestral expertise passed on from generation to generation. Often handmade, or with specific machinery and tools, the unique pieces created have a strong symbolic power and call to mind the story of certain people, civilization, culture. Hence the need for a transfer of skills in order to perpetuate this knowledge acquired hundreds of years ago.
Noble Materials
"Nothing beats a good support to flatter what is affixed to it. "
Ethnic clothing, fabrics, and accessories are made of natural and noble materials, making it possible to sublimate the splendid prints and bring out the most vivid colors. Cotton, linen, wool, and silk are the most used materials. They are woven with a wooden loom or knitted by hand and dyed with highly pigmented dyes.
How to appropriate an ethnic style, incorporating it into a trendy outfit?
The border between traditional costumes and ethnic fashion can be really thin. With identical fabrics and patterns, they would be distinguished by the cutting and styling of clothing and accessories. A strong ethnic piece would preferably be paired with a neutral but trendy item. For example, a plain colored romper would perfectly fit with a pair of Peruvian-patterned pumps.
Coo-Mon advises you with style! Here is a suggestion for a woman on what to wear on a daily basis, incorporating an ethnic touch to a modern and casual outfit.
We do not forget our dear gentlemen! A casual and sober outfit highlighted with a colorful touch to reveal the elegant audacity of the male.
Don't wait to integrate ethnic fashion into your wardrobe!
Embark into the Coo-Mon universe