A Bohemian Born in the 21st Century: From Romani Roots to Bohemian Chic
BY MELODY TAVITIAN-PARRA ~ POSTED IN: SEÑORITA CHIQUE ~ MARCH 25, 2011
Swaying skirts, eye-catching earrings, beautiful bangles, and ravishing rings. These are just a few trends that come to mind when we think of the bold Bohemian influences currently painting the LA fashion tableau. These stylish trends are vibrantly embraced by every modern-day, gypsy-spirited Fashionista, yet would have never come to be if not for the Romani people, our Hispanic brethren responsible for a richly unique culture in Latin Europe and even greater fashion statement throughout avant-guard LA.
Why are so many girls, teens, and grown women of all ages dawning this free-spirited style of dress? A bit of history first, in order to put the present-day effects in perspective. Originating in India, the Romani are now concentrated in Spain, France, and Portugal within Latin Europe. Often frowned upon for their vagabond lifestyle and misunderstood by the European government as a nuisance for their alternative cultural practices–superstitious folklore, constant re-settling, and, in some cases, childhood marriage-the vivacity of their clothing overturns all of these qualms and unveils them as lovers of life, rather than intrusive wanderers of the world. Herein lies the appeal to not only Los Angeles followers of chicness, but Fashionistas everywhere: we all look to the intrigue of colorful caravans, soulful singing, passionate dances, healing herbs, magical spices, and fortune-telling (just to name a few!) when hoping to add a little flavor to our wardrobe and an extra punch to our personal taste.
And what has been the result of this stunning traditional clothing on LA’s fashion scene? Well, it has without a doubt provided the perfect creative outlet for the Bohemian born in the 21st century. Look around ladies, and what do you see? Stone-studded sandals, beaded bracelets and earrings, flowing skirts, crystal pendants, colorful scarves, hippyesque headbands, and hobo bags. And this is only the short list!
The original purpose of this clothing was to allow women to go about their daily activities with ease, while caring for their husband, children, and in-laws. The elaborate jewelry served religious/superstitious purposes, such as a rose quartz for love, amethyst for increased spirituality, or turquoise for health and luck. However, now-a-days LA women wear this attire in order to personalize and accessorize their own unique style, rather than preserve the practices of their ancestry.
The extent of our gypsy cousins becomes all the more apparent, when considering that such outfits are consumer-ready at trendy stores such as Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, Urban Outfitters, and the like. These chains supply a wide array of what must be dubbed Bohemian chic clothing pieces and Gypsy-inspired fashion. However, the fashion storm does not stop here, but reaches a new level when considering the clothing’s influence in the spheres of high fashion and designer labels. Creators like Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, and Anna Sui have revolutionized gypsy undertones in modern fashion to gypsy-esque masterpieces in the fashion world. So ladies, next time you add that gold-colored bracelet, dawn a pebble-lined shoe, or drop your jaw at the beauty of a new McQueen ensemble, remember to say a little thank you to the Romani inhabiting the countries of our Latin cousins.
Why are so many girls, teens, and grown women of all ages dawning this free-spirited style of dress? A bit of history first, in order to put the present-day effects in perspective. Originating in India, the Romani are now concentrated in Spain, France, and Portugal within Latin Europe. Often frowned upon for their vagabond lifestyle and misunderstood by the European government as a nuisance for their alternative cultural practices–superstitious folklore, constant re-settling, and, in some cases, childhood marriage-the vivacity of their clothing overturns all of these qualms and unveils them as lovers of life, rather than intrusive wanderers of the world. Herein lies the appeal to not only Los Angeles followers of chicness, but Fashionistas everywhere: we all look to the intrigue of colorful caravans, soulful singing, passionate dances, healing herbs, magical spices, and fortune-telling (just to name a few!) when hoping to add a little flavor to our wardrobe and an extra punch to our personal taste.
And what has been the result of this stunning traditional clothing on LA’s fashion scene? Well, it has without a doubt provided the perfect creative outlet for the Bohemian born in the 21st century. Look around ladies, and what do you see? Stone-studded sandals, beaded bracelets and earrings, flowing skirts, crystal pendants, colorful scarves, hippyesque headbands, and hobo bags. And this is only the short list!
The original purpose of this clothing was to allow women to go about their daily activities with ease, while caring for their husband, children, and in-laws. The elaborate jewelry served religious/superstitious purposes, such as a rose quartz for love, amethyst for increased spirituality, or turquoise for health and luck. However, now-a-days LA women wear this attire in order to personalize and accessorize their own unique style, rather than preserve the practices of their ancestry.
The extent of our gypsy cousins becomes all the more apparent, when considering that such outfits are consumer-ready at trendy stores such as Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, Urban Outfitters, and the like. These chains supply a wide array of what must be dubbed Bohemian chic clothing pieces and Gypsy-inspired fashion. However, the fashion storm does not stop here, but reaches a new level when considering the clothing’s influence in the spheres of high fashion and designer labels. Creators like Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, and Anna Sui have revolutionized gypsy undertones in modern fashion to gypsy-esque masterpieces in the fashion world. So ladies, next time you add that gold-colored bracelet, dawn a pebble-lined shoe, or drop your jaw at the beauty of a new McQueen ensemble, remember to say a little thank you to the Romani inhabiting the countries of our Latin cousins.