Fashion is not a new concept! As far back as 500 B.C., the Romans used fashion to denote their wealth and social statuses. By 1350, the Renaissance period saw aristocrats taking a keen interest in fashion, and that interest hasn’t waned since. From the bell-bottoms of the 1970s to the platform sandals of the early 2000s, people have long been willing to jump on a trend.
These days, those trends are shifting to be more accepting of all body types, all wealth statuses, and of course, all religions. In fact, the Eastern and Western worlds often collaborate on fashion, even if unknowingly. From graphic t-shirts to flowing dresses, tight jeans to formal head coverings, there is so much to see, try on, and fall in love with in fashion today.
Religion and Fashion
Religion has long been a popular feature in luxury fashion lines. Jean Paul Gaultier’s Fall/Winter 1993 line pulled from Hasidic Jewish looks to create a line of long, sweeping coats, big hats, and long braids on the models. People felt it was too far, but that didn’t stop other ’90s fashion lines from following suit. Since the unforgettable molten gold dress that Dera Shaw wore in 1997, Versace has been using Catholic-inspired crosses and other iconography to create its looks.
These days, luxury fashion houses are doing what they can not to appropriate religious cultures in their fashion lines but to bring their fashion lines to those who celebrate their religions. Take Dolce & Gabbana as an example. In 2016, the luxury brand creates a line of abayas and hijabs for fashion-loving Muslims. The garments remain modest to respect the religion, but all have their own flair. Some featured black lace trim while others were adorned in sunflowers or daisies.
Alongside the garments, the models wore large bags with even bigger patterns, oversized jewelry, and flattering but modest skirts. Other brands, such as Oscar de la Renta and Mango, have followed suit, paving the way for fashion tailored to those who prefer to wear modest clothing.
Eastern Animals on Clothing
Dragons and elephants are important to Chinese and Indian cultures, respectively. In China, dragons represent power, strength, and good luck, particularly in reference to rainfall and floods. It is believed the emperors descended from dragons. In India, elephants are very sacred to those who practice the Hindu faith. Hindus believe that elephants are the living incarnation of Ganesh, one of their most important gods. Each symbol has deep roots in their cultures.
In Western culture, these same symbols are often found in Chinese- or Indian-inspired fashions. From t-shirts sporting Ganesh himself to handbags, barrettes, and even formal dresses decorated in Chinese dragons, the fashion is easy to find in high-end lines and department store brands alike. The late 1990s were an especially popular time for these fashions, although they seem to be making a comeback in the early 2020s. While some people don’t believe cultural icons such as the dragon or elephant should be worn on clothing. Other people feel it is a way to represent their culture while still remaining on-trend in the Western fashion world.
Fashion is for everyone and should represent all cultures, but it is also important not to be appropriative. If you wear a fashion from a certain culture, ensure you’re doing so in a respectful and ethical manner. Research whether something you like is considered offensive to wear if you aren’t from a specific culture. Plus you do your best to buy cultural fashion items from authentic retailers instead of big box stores. If you do buy from a big retailer or luxury fashion house. Be sure it is from one that recognizes and provides credit to the people who inspired its ideas.
About the author;
This article was written by guest author Mian Muhammad Mohsin.
