Ethnic Influence on Apparel Design
Designers today seem to be turning and reflecting upon specific ethnic cultures when designing their new apparel designs. They look at the ethnic beliefs, cultural colors, and even incorporate designs from traditions of a culture. Two cultures that the United States has and continues to fashion many clothing lines after is the Hawaiian and Indian cultures. These are showing in greater popularity through the fabric, stitchery, and style design that is used.
Hawaii is a wonderful place for color, customs, and beliefs that are desired in clothing apparel. The Hawaiian designs are seen in America as bright, printed hues, and created from cool fabric usually worn during the summer. I found it interesting as Dr. Linda Boynton Arthur states that, “Hawaiian clothing has become a visual testament to both ethnic integration and ethnic diversity. The unique cultural landscape of Hawaii has proven to be a fertile ground for fashion designers.” America constantly reflects back to the relaxed idea of Hawaii and the feel good experience it provides to the fashion world.
Indian apparel has for many years been seen and worn in American culture. Americans seem to appreciate the early civilians that developed and helped contribute to the foundation of our heritage today. The earth tone colors seen in the Indian apparel seem to be a basic, popular one in our society. Beading is added to enhance color just like the Indians created beads, jewelry, and woven accessories. I feel that designers are extremely interested in sharing a country’s ethnic background and integrating it into designs and clothing that everyone could be comfortable wearing in our fashion conscientious society today.
Dr. Linda Boynton Arthur, “Ethnic Influences on Hawaiian Fashion”. http://2.ctahr.hawaii.edu/costume/hawaiianbrochure.htm