The influence of culture on fashion styles of countries  

The influence of culture on fashion style. Photo source: Medium

Every country in the world has its own culture, no country is the same, so the dress styles of the countries are also different. Although the influence of globalization, modernization or introduction of culture also makes fashion styles have changed a lot, the costumes of different cultures and countries still have their own particular features and especially in the traditional costumes of each country.

Different cultures carry different values. Different values ​​are reflected in different social roles and different signs of those roles. Different signs can present themselves through different clothes, styles, colors and combinations. When different cultures meet, they will be further polarized. Usually both, depending on the individuals involved and their social circumstances and goals.

The more we learn about culture, the more we understand the future of global fashion. It is important to know the influence of culture on the fashion industry. Fashion is not a separate element of clothing or accessories but it is connected to our lives in every aspect and among them, culture is the most important. Fashion reflects our desire for our own lives. Fashion affects our lifestyle. Fashion is influenced by cultural changes, such as modernization, art and even technological innovation.

When the fashion industry is concerned, culture is an integral part. Fashion and culture go hand in hand. Our clothing is a nonverbal communication channel that sends a message about who we are, where we come from, what we do and so on.

Let’s take a look at the traditional costumes of some countries to see the difference in the cultures of countries.

Culture on fashion – Vietnamese’s ao dai

For hundreds of years, Vietnamese women’s dresses have been considered the “national spirit of the nation” and regarded as a symbol of Vietnam. The ao dai is not only a national costume of the nation but it is also the result of a process of change according to the influences from culture and society.

Ao Dai is a traditional costume of Vietnam

Originally, Vietnamese long dress was born in 1739-1765 under the reign of Lord Nguyen Vu Vuong. Until today, ao dai is still considered a traditional costume of Vietnamese women and is used in both festivals and daily life. Ao Dai can be sew from many materials from popular to high-end such as silk, brocade … with extremely diverse colors and decorative patterns.

Today, Vietnamese dresses are innovative with many different designs

With a tight design that reveals the body curves, long and slender front and back, wide-legged pants, the long dress is both discreet and sexy, pure and seductive, very attractive and very popular and it is loved by many international friends. Today, Vietnamese dresses are innovated with many different designs in terms of collar details, lengths of sleeves or dresses to facilitate the application in everyday life.

Indian Sari

Sari, also known as Saree, is an Indian traditional costume for women of all ages. It appeared for the first time on the Indian subcontinent and is mentioned a lot in Indian epics and legends. Dating back to around 150 BC, it is now considered the traditional costume of India. According to history books, Sari was first mentioned in the Indian epic, so far this art epic has been around 5000 years old. For traditional Sari, it is a costume made from pieces of cloth wrapped around the body, including 2 pieces one to wrap around to cover the body and one to wrap around the waist and then cross over the shoulders and let down softly.

Sari – Indian traditional costume. Image source: 4Reflect.com

Sari is not only a traditional Indian woman’s outfit but also a culture that enhances the mystery and charm of Indian women. The clothes are elaborately designed, detailed with many motifs embroidered entirely by hand hugging the full body of the woman.

Japanese Kimono

Referring to Japan, we definitely cannot ignore Kimono. A traditional costume in Japan from ancient times to the present. On important occasions, Japanese women also wear Kimonos to show dignity and politeness.

Kimono – Japanese traditional costume. Photo source: Japan Craft

Kimonos means “Clothes to wear” in the past, which were just words for clothes in general, according to the flow and fluctuations of history, nowadays Kimono has become a special name for traditional Japanese clothes.

Introduced into Japan around the 7th century, the Heian dynasty reigned, at first this outfit was simply cotton underwear. Talented designers of Japan have created a quintessential, beautiful art work.

Kimono is extremely elaborate design, a Kimono set made of 8 pieces together. This is a public and single product. To make a product, the craftsman must meticulously select the fabric, combine colors, decorate patterns and use the accessories.

Wearing a Kimono is not a simple thing, they are subject to a separate rule. Must wrap from right side to left, they only wrap back when attending funerals.

Culture on fashion – Korean Hanbok

Hanbok – Korean clothing is not only a cultural beauty but also contains the philosophy of life and pride of Korean national history.

Hanbok – Traditional Korean clothing Photo source: NPR

Like Japanese Kimonos, Hanbok has a very sophisticated design, including long Chima skirts, short Jeogori, inside with many different layers of skirts to inflate the bottom of the skirt. Hanbok ramie fabrics are woven from natural materials as well as dyed with extracts from bark and flowers.

Hanbok’s beauty is reflected in the soft curves of Jeogori’s outer jacket and the mysterious puffy skirt. Depending on the season, ritual or event, Hanbok has different colors, materials, and ways of wearing.

Chinese cheongsam

Cheongsam is the traditional costume of Chinese women, especially in Shanghai, so it is also known as Shanghai Ao Dai. Originating from the costumes of women in the Manchu Dynasty, then combined with Western culture, the cheongsam has undergone many periods to get the appearance it is now: has both an Eastern imprint, just bring the modern style of modern fashion with tight design, short sleeves and sexy high saw.

Like Vietnamese ao dai, the materials to make a Chinese cheongsam are extremely diverse. Nowadays, cheongsam designs are more and more innovative: detached dresses, high necks, wide flared sleeves, long skirts, short depending on people, rips high or low.

Cheongsam

Like Vietnamese ao dai, the materials to make a Chinese cheongsam are extremely diverse.

Culture on fashion – Sabai Thailand

As the national costume of Thailand, Sabai is worn by most Thai people during holidays, weddings … With designs that are silk pieces that are spliced, folded, sewn not too close to each other with the cross-over fabric over the shoulder. Sabai exalts the elegance, sophistication and tenderness of a woman.

Sabai- Thai traditional costume

Image source: Pinterest

The people of this country are very fond of traditional costumes and consider this as a pride in the national cultural identity with the world.

German Dirndl

Dirndl, which means “young girl”, is the traditional costume of southern German women, especially in Baravia, and Austria. Derived from the costumes of Alpine farmers, Dirndl is also known as the Landhausmode. A Dirndl set consists of a sleeveless white top, an over-the-top dress and finally an apron with a bow and belt. It is precisely the collar detail that is deeply cut, the chest trim, the waistline and the body of the skirt make Dirndl one of the most glamorous traditional costumes.

At first, Dirndl was just a costume for maids or nannies because it offered comfort and flexibility. Over time, precisely because of its captivating design, Dirndl was developed and loved extensively among the upper class. The color and texture of each Dirndl set is considered a symbol in each locality and reflects the social situation.

Dirndl – Traditional German costume. Image source: Dirndl-online.net

Dirndl dresses are sewn with a bow symbol as a sign of the marriage status of a woman. The nose on the right means the woman is unmarried, and the nose on the left shows the opposite. However, if the bow is on the back, it means that woman is widowed. High quality Dirndl dresses are made from silk, high quality cotton and linen.

Traje de flamenca

Traje de flamenca is also known as flamenco, traditional Spanish outfit. Flamenco dresses are derived from women’s clothing in the Andalusia region. During the 19th century, women wore this costume at fairs, and from there, Flamenco art began to be popularized and Flamenco dresses gradually became part of the dancer’s wardrobe. The highlight of Traje de flamenca is the ankle-length skirt with fishtail skirts decorated with drapery details, deep necks and body hugging.

Flamenco – Traditional Spanish outfit. Image source: www.everythingflamenco.com

Over time, the costumes of the Flamenco dance have also changed, reflecting the growth in Spanish dress styles. In the 1960s, Traje de Flamenco featured a short skirt. By the 1990s, the skirt became longer and sexier. Flamenco costumes are now made from materials that help to exaggerate the attractive curves of women like silk fabric with simple colors, not flowery. In the 21st century, Flamenco costumes are “back to their roots” with popolin fabric. Today, many innovative dresses are made up of a 2-piece skirt and a skirt with an original one-piece dress.

Today, Flamenco is still a popular costume and an inspiration for many world-renowned fashion houses such as Dolce & Gabbana, Yves Saint Laurent and Vittorio & Lucchino.

Currently, due to globalization and integration around the world, the daily costumes of most countries are modern, comfortable and have many similarities. However, each country is still preserving and promoting the traditional values, specific characteristics expressed through their wearing traditional costumes on holidays, New Year or wedding … And the traditional costumes are an endless source of inspiration for creative designers into their collections.

Hạ Phương.

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