Mexico's Spicy Flair on the L.A. Fashion Scene
BY MELODY TAVITIAN-PARRA ~ POSTED IN: SEÑORITA CHIQUE ~ FEBRUARY 19, 2011
L.A. fashion is one force that particularly owes its originality, creativity, and worldwide attention to the cultural diversity it enjoys, for the Mexican population’s Latin spice alone shows how a little traditional charm beautifully seasons the chicness of a rising tr
Ask a native Mexican woman of any generation, what the word rebozo conjures in her mind, and she may respond with a memory along the lines of her grandmother snugly huddled in a woolen shawl or her mother’s lively dancing at a fiesta. Now, ask an English-speaking L.A. native about this word and she is most likely to be a bit confused because of the language barrier-or is she? What a Mexican woman knows as rebozo, a Los Angeles inhabitant recognizes as a shawl. The two cultures do understand each other, not in Spanish or English, but through the universal language of stylish fashionistas!
Originating in Mexico and usually made of cotton, wool, or silk, the use of this fashion piece ranges from adorning one’s body to wrapping one’s baby. A rebozo comes in a variety of colors and styles, for its craftsmanship is tailored to its purpose. When made of wool or cotton, the shawls can be of practical use to the fashionista, whether she be in a humble pueblo or fast-paced city. This type of solid-colored, plain-cut rebozo serves to keep its wearer warm on a chilly day and because of its simplicity allows for comfort during household chores or carrying out errands. The more flamboyant female will also use this warm shawl, but perhaps choose one with an intricate stitch design or delicately sown pattern –especially if dawning it as evening wear- to express her rich fashion sense. Those made of silk, on the other hand, are elaborative, festive, and richly embellished, for they are worn during special celebrations: from a comadre attending her friend’s quinceañera, to an excited teen draping it over her shoulders before prom, the shawl is well-know and tastefully displayed by every trendy woman.
Initially used in Mexico to cover one’s head before entering the Church, the rebozo has come a long way, especially when considering its fashion statement in the L.A. atmosphere, now not only worn in its original shape as a shawl, but as a headscarf, neck scarf, belt, and even fashioned into a creative top by stylish girls and chic women. The Mexican rebozo has truly been transformed by the fashionista in an urban setting, and adapted by fellow fashion lovers all over the world, a truth filled with great pride for every Mexican woman and a little fashion knowledge for every savvy fashionista.
Ask a native Mexican woman of any generation, what the word rebozo conjures in her mind, and she may respond with a memory along the lines of her grandmother snugly huddled in a woolen shawl or her mother’s lively dancing at a fiesta. Now, ask an English-speaking L.A. native about this word and she is most likely to be a bit confused because of the language barrier-or is she? What a Mexican woman knows as rebozo, a Los Angeles inhabitant recognizes as a shawl. The two cultures do understand each other, not in Spanish or English, but through the universal language of stylish fashionistas!
Originating in Mexico and usually made of cotton, wool, or silk, the use of this fashion piece ranges from adorning one’s body to wrapping one’s baby. A rebozo comes in a variety of colors and styles, for its craftsmanship is tailored to its purpose. When made of wool or cotton, the shawls can be of practical use to the fashionista, whether she be in a humble pueblo or fast-paced city. This type of solid-colored, plain-cut rebozo serves to keep its wearer warm on a chilly day and because of its simplicity allows for comfort during household chores or carrying out errands. The more flamboyant female will also use this warm shawl, but perhaps choose one with an intricate stitch design or delicately sown pattern –especially if dawning it as evening wear- to express her rich fashion sense. Those made of silk, on the other hand, are elaborative, festive, and richly embellished, for they are worn during special celebrations: from a comadre attending her friend’s quinceañera, to an excited teen draping it over her shoulders before prom, the shawl is well-know and tastefully displayed by every trendy woman.
Initially used in Mexico to cover one’s head before entering the Church, the rebozo has come a long way, especially when considering its fashion statement in the L.A. atmosphere, now not only worn in its original shape as a shawl, but as a headscarf, neck scarf, belt, and even fashioned into a creative top by stylish girls and chic women. The Mexican rebozo has truly been transformed by the fashionista in an urban setting, and adapted by fellow fashion lovers all over the world, a truth filled with great pride for every Mexican woman and a little fashion knowledge for every savvy fashionista.