Multicultural fashion choices are becoming increasingly popular for a number of reasons. More and more consumers are shopping within a global market, while designers are targeting styles that can be easily worn and adapted around the world for different purposes. An important part of fashion has therefore been to bring together cultures around imaginative fashion styles as a way of embracing those cultures.
Combinations of different fashion trends have resulted in the widespread use of exotic prints and styles, as well as the more specific use of Geisha and Saree styles as part of hybrid trends. Established and new fashion designers are also making the most of multicultural looks in their shows, while clothes manufacturers are targeting general wearability for global consumers.
1 – Exotic Designs
One of the biggest trends within the fashion world this year has been the use of exotic prints and details as part of general outfits. Runway fashion has consequently seen a number of tribal designs enhance shows. Designers have also used animal prints and exotic patterns as part of T shirt designs. Tribal makeup and hair styles have become popular, and jewelry inspired by carvings are now widely used in high street ranges.
2 – Geisha Designs and Harajuku
Another key trend for 2012 fashions has been the use of geisha designs and the incorporation of Harajuku Japanese extremes in the work of designers like Haider Ackermann. Punk Geisha represents one example of this style, which has been expressed through combinations of traditional outfits and street styles. The punk influenced Harajuku, which also combines a number of extreme subcultures and looks into its street style, is also becoming more widely seen in Western designs.
3 – Saree Couture
The traditional elegance of the Indian sari has been adapted into a number of different looks, and has been used by designers like Ashima Leema as part of shows that showcase the quality of Indian muslin and other fabrics to create couture looks. The look has similarly extended into blouses, with exotic colours working well with international trends for brighter colours and floral fabrics.
4 – Experienced and Up and Coming Designers
A large number of new designers are bringing their multicultural heritage and inspirations to bear on their designs. A good recent example is twin fashion designers Ayaan and Idyl, who have brought together influences from their Somalian roots to US styles. Japanese designer Akiro Isogawa has similarly made the most of his experiences living in Australia, while Indian designers like Tarun Tahliani regularly combines Eastern and Western influences in his work.
5 – Wearability
Perhaps more than anything else, multicultural fashion affords designers and wearers the chance to experiment with different fabrics and styles, creating looks that are both traditional and adapted for everyday wear. Looks that bring together these different styles has been a key part of fashion trends over the past few years, from general exotic and couture looks through to the careful use of quality fabrics and designs to make the most out of couture outfits.
