Ethnic influences on fashion/dress

What is fashion, really but a blend of culture and diversity that form together to make a piece of clothing. It obviously is not just a piece of clothing it is a statement.


After researching ethnic influences on dress, it has really opened my eyes as to how much ethnic influences I see in fashion today! Most of the trends, colors, accessories, and basic style that I see on current runways is basically ALL ethnic influences.
Here is a couple of inspired current trends


A couple of country's ethnic influences on culture that stood out to me were India, Egypt, and Africa.

First, India's culture is a major trend right now! Bangle jewelry is a good example of a trend with ethnic influence. Chandelier earrings have also been worn by the women of India for ages! The silk fabric of traditional Indian women's clothing was reflected this year with sheer "Sari" like looks.


Egypt was a very surprising ethnic influence on fashion. I did not know that the colors turquoise, gold, and lapis were first used by Egyptians. Some jewelry that I saw had Egyptian flair with hieroglyphics or symbols used on the jewelry.


Africa was my favorite ethnic influence to research. My favorite influence was anything with an animal print. I noticed immediately what ethnicity it reminded me of. I instantly thought of the plains and safari in Africa. American fashion jewelry has obviously taken and interpreted African influences, with all the beads and bone-like creations.



I thought this blog was a great eye opener for people to actually see how much impact ethnic influences have on American culture and fashion today. I am sure the other ethnicity's also mimic American culture and fashion as well. The world is full of people sharing and creating brilliant ideas for all of us to share and interpret.

Fashion Week *Trends*

The New York Fashion Week has now come to a close, and now is the time for all the reviews. All that matters at the end of the show, is the fashion trends of course! While watching some of the fashion shows on Style.com, I came across a few that really caught my eye!

I loved Calvin Klein's collection the best by far! The clothing actually looked 3D! I was amazed that fabric could actually hold together in such a way that it popped out, literally! I loved the geometric shapes that were used. The clothes were wearable if you were a tweleve year old girl that has not reached puberty..i.e..no curves, but the idea was fresh and new.


Marc Jacob's designs are always pleasent to see and his shows are always so modern! I love his use of bright colors and classic neck lines. Marc Jacob's is always a designer to look to for classic ideas and wearable attire.


Through the whole week I noticed a few trends for this coming spring/summer months. First: See-Through Sheer Fabrics. I saw alot of nude colors which gave the models an almost "naked" appearence.

Second: One Shoulder pieces like dresses, swimsuits, and tops. I believe this will be a key selling point for retail this coming season!

Third: Boyfriend style trousers: The menswear inspired trouser will be the in-trend this spring/summer. This trend will be popular especially will the cuff of the pant rolled up.

Colours for 2009: I am excited about the color palette for 2009! Earthy tones such as yellow and brown (lots of BROWN!) reds, oranges, and taupes will be the "it" color to buy!

I think this year will be more environmentally friendly especially with organic cotton. I believe the awareness of protecting the environment has hit home with some of the top designers.


This spring/summer of 2009 RTW fashion week, was inspired by global and world affairs and the fashion reflected this.

Favorite Designer

My favorite designer hands down would have to be Betsey Johnson. Her whimsical inspired designs have always caught my eye instantly. Ms. Johnson's creations are right out of a story book, this might be because she was enrolled in dance classes through her childhood which inspired her love of coustumes. I love the way she takes her love of dance and interprets it in fashion. Everything from tutus to fitted blazers, Betsey Johnson's clothing brings the fun out in fashion! Ms. Johnson's choice of colors are bright and brillant but the color scheme always has an edge either by adding broaches or colorful embroidry. Her funky but classy style inspires me as a fashion student. I love the un-expectedness of her work and the creative touch she personally gives to each piece. I am always looking forward to her new creations each season. Not only does Betsey Johnson have her own fashion line, she also has a new line of handbags and a designer fragrance. This multi-talented designer is my favorite designer because of her eye for uniqueness and edge.



Here is the fabulous Betsey Johnson



Yellow dress, Betsey Johnson (tutu inspired)