Fashion is defined by Merriam-Webster as “the prevailing style of dress in a particular time.” Modern-day Western fashion revolves primarily around a two-part shirt and pants look, with those pieces of clothing having limitless opportunities when it comes to patterns and fabrics.
However, fashion outside of the modern Western world still carries significance and importance to those connected to other regions and the culture and history of those places.
Cultural clothing such as Japan’s kimono or India’s saree, whilst not commonly worn in day-to-day life due to not entirely fitting the current fashion norms and standards, still helps many feel connected to their heritage, regardless of how many generations separate them from the country their family originates from.
For some, like sophomore Lam Le, who wears traditional Vietnamese clothing on holidays, it is a way to feel like a part of a group and connect to his heritage. Le grew up wearing traditional clothing for celebration, and it’s something he’s always been connected to.
“I think [traditional clothing] reminds you more of the country you came from,” Le said. “My parents thought it was important, and so to celebrate holidays, we’ll wear traditional clothing.”
For others, like freshman Bella Moet, the introduction to traditional clothing came from cultural dance lessons. In her case, she was inspired by Bomba, a traditional Puerto Rican dance.
To maintain the traditionality of the dance, Moet wears a traditional falda, a skirt that comes in a variety of bright colors in a design that allows for the fabric to showcase the movement of the dance.
“Cultural clothing is a way to express your culture and connect with your roots. Every time I put on my falda I feel like I really connect with my troupe and family. There is a feeling of comfort within myself when I wear my falda,” Moet said.
Whilst cultural appropriation, defined as the inappropriate or unacknowledged adoption of an element of one culture or identity by members of another identity (in this case, clothing), is a line that should not be crossed, cultures from all countries have traditional fashions to explore that may be worth giving a try.
