Fashion is a reflection of culture – its trends and its tastes. In today’s ever-growing, ever-changing world, fashion is becoming more and more influenced by different cultures from across the globe. Cultural Couture explores these influences through a modern lens to offer an insight into what global fashion really means, as we ask the question: how are cultures interacting with fashion, and how may this shape the industry we know and love today?
1. The World of Cultural Couture
No matter where you turn – all four corners of the world are filled with vibrant forms of cultural couture. From the colors of the fabric to the textures of the garments, countries across the globe have their own unique styles that bear a distinct identity.
India: Boasting a huge population, India is often regarded as a world leader in cultural couture, particularly within ethnic clothing. The vast changes undergone in the style of clothing over the centuries, make for a wonderfully vibrant country with every state having its own different yet recognizable style.
Japan: Japan is known for its traditional kimonos, a form of dress worn by both men and women. This traditional style is a sign of status and class in the country, often taking years to master in terms of design and craftsmanship. Modern Japanese fashion has also grown in popularity, often featuring bright colors, big patterns and unique silhouettes, often mixing traditional and modern silhouettes.
Morocco: Taking inspiration from its desert location, the traditional fashion in Morocco is known for being bold and daring, often mixing and matching patterns with vibrant, metallic colors. For the women, the djellaba is a popular form of traditional clothing. This long, spacious robe is often worn with a scarf and can be decorated with embroidery.
Mexico: The traditional fashion of Mexico makes use of bright fabrics, often embroidered with unique patterns. This type of clothing is also often decorated hand-woven accessories, such as elaborately laced sandals or carry bags. The female clothing typically takes on the shape of a long dress, or blouse and skirt combo.
- India: Ethnic Clothing
- Japan: Traditional Kimonos & Modern Styles
- Morocco: Djellaba & Embroidery
- Mexico: Bright Fabrics & Hand-woven Accessories
2. Exploring Global Fashion Innovations
In a world of 7 billion people living across seven continents, it’s natural that fashion will take on different meanings. Manufacturers of all sizes and across industries are innovating at an ever-increasing rate, from new materials to production methods, to make fashion more expressive, comfortable, and sustainable. Here’s a look at global fashion innovations.
- 3-D printing. Consumers are beginning to embrace 3-D fashion technology. Designers now have the ability to design and produce complex knitwear structures, intricate appliqués, and textile artworks with the help of 3-D printing.
- Eco fabrics. With more and more designers and companies recognizing the importance of sustainability, fabrics which are made out of recycled plastic, organic materials, and renewable plant fibers are being developed.
- Microchips. Wearable technology is the wave of the future. From T-shirts that display biometric data to pieces of apparel which optimize your performance, the inclusion of microchips in fashion is becoming more common.
Another development that has made its way across the world in recent years is the rise of luxury streetwear. Designers are taking their classic designs and updating them with streetwear materials and cuts to create a look which is both classic and modern. Across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, luxury streetwear is becoming increasingly popular.
Also making its way around the globe are athleisure and sportswear. Major brands like Under Armour, Puma, and Adidas are doing their part to make sportswear fashionable and stylish. Designers are never short of ideas when it comes to bringing performance fabrics and cuts into daily looks.
The fashion industry is constantly evolving. From edgy, modern looks to eco-conscious materials and smart technologies, fashion designers are finding innovative ways to pioneer looks and styles that challenge the status quo.
3. How Global Influences Impact Cultural Couture
In the modern era of globalisation and digital connectivity, cultural couture is increasingly being influenced by external factors. From the fabrics used in high fashion, to the accoutrements of cultural dress, global influences shape the way individual societies express themselves. Here, we will consider how three major types of global influence – technological advancement, media representation, and economic status – impact our cultural couture.
- Technological Advancement: Technological evolution has given us tools of production that have revolutionised the way couture is made and consumed. Smart fabrics, modern 3-D printing techniques, and accessible computerised tools allow for the creation of highly complex designs and patterns, which can be widely distributed around the globe. Consequently, cultural couture is quickly becoming commodified and increasingly homogenous as a result of the mass production enabled by technology.
- Media Representation: With the expanding media landscape, styles of cultural couture are being disseminated across the world, from celebrities in fashion-forward photoshoots to glossy magazines. This representation can influence regional trends, as styles of dress that were previously exclusive to one society find themselves embraced in other communities. Social media in particular has allowed a level of cross-cultural sharing that has never been seen before.
- Economic Status: The ability of individuals and societies to engage with the global economy has a huge impact on the way couture is both produced and experienced. In some cases, globalisation has allowed communities to gain access to a wider variety of materials and fabrics, giving them access to clothing styles previously outside of their reach. Conversely, countries suffering from recessions or conflicts may find themselves unable to engage with the global fashion industry, limiting their access to certain styles.
Cultural couture is shaped and guided by external influences that span the globe. In this dynamic and ever-changing landscape, it is up to us to be aware of the ways our regional styles are being shaped by global influences. We should celebrate the advancements made possible by technology and the opportunities made available through greater connection with the world, with it’s vast and diverse range of dress.
4. Crafting a Uniquely Culturally-Aware Wardrobe
Creating a wardrobe that speaks to your cultural experiences can be exciting and even inspiring. With so many different fashion trends in different cultures, it’s hard to narrow down exactly what’s appropriate and what you feel comfortable wearing. Here are some tips for creating a uniquely culturally aware wardrobe that will make you feel proud and informed:
- Take Influence from Your Heritage: Take a look at your background, whether it be Asian, African, Caribbean, or other, and start exploring what traditional items of clothing typify your cultural influences. Combining this knowledge with brands you admire and trends you like will help you create a wardrobe that represents your heritage.
- Educate Yourself: Learning key aspects of the culture(s) you are interested in will help you craft a wardrobe that is true to its origins. This will also help you appreciate important items like traditional fabrics and print fabrics, rather than blindly following the latest fashion.
- Preserve Heritage: Wearing traditional clothing might mean shopping small. You could look for little boutiques and tailors that make custom clothing according to authentic designs. By buying from more local vendors, you’ll support small businesses and preserve authentic designs.
- Integrate Traditions and Contemporary Fashion: Don’t be afraid to mix traditional garments with more contemporary styles, using them as a starting point for personal expression. Simply adding pieces from other cultures can improve an everyday look and make it become something uniquely yours.
Creating a wardrobe inspired by many different cultures can be daunting and overwhelming, but when done right, it becomes an expression of your identity and an entirely unique experience. To find the perfect balance between modern and traditional fashion, explore your heritage, educate yourself, shop small, and mix and match modern and traditional pieces. You’re sure to create a wardrobe that makes you feel proud and culturally connected.
When looking at global fashion influences, it’s exciting to see how cultures interact with one another, incorporating elements of their own style, creating pieces and ensembles that are truly unique. Whether you’re embracing traditional outfits, multicultural influences, or creating your own signature style, exploring the cultural couture of the world is a great way to express yourself and stand out from the crowd!
