If there is one thing which can be said about apparel, it is a basic need. There are very few cultures around the globe that can boast going without covering their bodies. While some cultures in tribal regions are half-clad, they are few and far between. With that said, it is interesting to note that there is a distinct relationship between culture and the fashions worn by individuals within various ethnicities. Even though those cultural fashion norms have spanned the globe and have been adopted into various societies, you can almost always glean the cultural origin of most styles today.
1. Fashion as an Identity Statement
Consider for a moment the broad appeal of designers like Virgil Abloh who died just one year ago from a rare form of cancer that affects the heart. He was diagnosed a few years prior to his demise, but did that stop him from designing some of the most sought-after fashions like his Men's Off-White Hoodies? Bear in mind that Virgil was the creative head for Louis Vuitton for more than a decade and his creations sought to span the black/white cultural ethos. It was his way of bringing people together from all ethnicities into one cultural norm. If we are to be brought together as a people, we must learn this new identity statement. He was a trendsetter in fashion design for this and so many other reasons. He was a master before his time.
2. Self-Imaging within a Culture
Then there is the thought that within each culture, there are variations to styles that allow for the self-expression of identity. Once again, let’s look at those immensely popular Men's Off-White Hoodies being worn by so many people, primarily from the younger crowd, but even by those in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. When worn by those from the older crowd, it is found that they are seeking to make a black/white/grey statement. Also, the quality of Off-White brand is hard to surpass. However, when being worn by the younger crowd, it is not only a statement of the new cultural colour norm but because hoodies reflect a ‘gangsta’ identity. That is their self-image and one they are proud to boast in designer apparel like the offerings from Off-White.
3. Immediate Reflections of a Culture
One of the best examples of fashion as a cultural reflection would be the head covering, the hijab, worn by Muslim women. This goes far beyond a fashion statement as it is a bold proclamation that a woman following the Islamic tradition is not to be approached by those of the opposite gender. How they are worn can also reflect if the woman is married or single and there are those who cover the bottom half of the face while the typical hijab covers simply the hair and neck. Even so, no matter how they are worn, a hijab makes a statement unto itself and a bold one at that. Just like Catholic priests have a white collar and traditional nuns have habits and head coverings, some fashions make an immediate reflection of the culture or faith.
If you take the time to look at the people around you, it is interesting to note that what they are wearing often expresses beliefs and traditions. With that said, sometimes fashions are worn simply because they are ‘in’ but that shouldn’t deter you from choosing styles that suit your personality and beliefs.
