Fashion Fusion From East to West and Back Again

Just like a painting, or a song, fashion also plays a main role in the fusion of different cultures and influences. Eastern and Western cultures engage in an important part in the Fashion trends of today. These two are fused in the fashion industry in many ways, the British borrowing from the Russians, India from the French, Japan and Germany, and the list continues.Since 1890, fashion expresses tremendous influences from the Eastern culture in the western dress resulting from the artists and designers renowned interest in Art Nouveau. The 1905 war between Japan and Russia and the Chinese revolution in 1911 were fundamental for their inspiration at the moment, as well as today. Some of the most common characteristics are V-necklines, straight seams, hourglass silhouettes, full sleeves toward the end, sleeves sewn to bodice and contrasting wide waistband, to name some.In any store or designer line, you can find eastern inspired clothing like embroidered tunics, beaded necklines on dresses and shirts, jeweled handbags in Sari fabrics, reminiscing different characteristics from the East. Pashminas, for example, are now an every day basic item for most women to wear either on a date to the movies or to a fancy formal gala. Another essential item in women’s wardrobe today is the Kurta top, as simple as it can be it stands from the rest because of its beaded detail. The Nehru jacket, born in the 1940’s and remarketed in the 1960’s thanks to The Beatles, is still an acclaimed collar style in shirts, coats and jackets. The element of women wearing pants, men wearing caftans have even translated to comfort while being considered chic forms of relax-at-home fashion. Attire wrapped around the body like kimonos and robes, rich color fabrics, even pagoda sleeves are eastern trends incorporated in western fashion.Some of the most noted designers bidding on exotic eastern style in their creations are: Max Mara, exploring sexy necklines and strong fabrics, Cacharel with sweet flower prints, and Lacroix risking it with Japanese type sleeves. Armani, Jean Paul Gaultier, Gianfranco Ferré and Versace are only some of the top names reaching out to their masculine lines by including eastern elements to their lines, like pants made with kimono fabrics, mao necklines, printed belts and even oriental type sandals with the use of silk and heavy silk, these fabrics are the foundation for the exotic oriental look designers are striving for.The Boho Chic look, on the other hand, can be represented as a western influence on eastern culture; it embraces a unique style where you can appreciate the fusion of both worlds with the modern and contemporary side of the western fashion and just a hint of eastern flair in the jewels and beading. Season to season, we see fashion face some radical changes, but the east and west mixture is inescapable, resulting always in a beautiful, artistic and also commercial masterpiece representing a multicultural society of designers and consumers.

Jewellery Fashion for 2009

In our age of mass media, mass consumption and mass consciousness being different is not an easy task. Contemporary jewellery has been for a while predominately minimalist, using smooth, curved lines to create a polished look that embodies the form of industrial mass consumerism. But this is changing; when this year is remembered it will be for change, development and progression. Not many months have passed and yet many events have taken place that have changed the course of history, stimulating global awareness in a way that is itself a cause for hope. Jewellery trends for 2009 are riding the wave of this change, fashion has always demonstrated dominant ideology and this year is no different, except that the ideology has changed. We are arriving at a mind set that has natural beauty and self worth at its heart; this is the phoenix that has arisen from the flames of global discord.
Catwalk Styles
Look no further than the catwalk and you can see the importance that is being given to symbolic adornments that glamorise and accentuate the strength and uniqueness of us as individuals. The bottom line in these uncertain times is that we must empower ourselves. Statement necklaces, long earrings and multiple bangles can be used to achieve this; they get us noticed as creative individuals and dramatically show that we have something to say. Not many of us can afford or would wish to wear the spectacular but impractical styles flaunted on the catwalk in our everyday lives. But we can bring the vibe of haute couture and the realism that characterises 2009 to our wardrobes with key statement pieces, so that we can visually demonstrate that we are moving with the times, that we are the embodiment of contemporary thinking.
Black Jewellery
There are a number of trends that are emerging; the first involves black and silver jewellery. This trend is a good one to develop because black jewellery can be worn on all occasions, you can dress it up or dress it down.

Buying striking black jewellery allows you to draw together many different outfits and you can keep the key vibe, big impressions, without making a huge impression on your wallet. An extra bonus is that black jewellery is not going to go out of fashion, invest in a quality piece and you will be wearing it for many years to come.
Quality Over Quantity
Quality is another thing to come back into mainstream fashion, the throw away culture of the 90's is being outmoded by products that last far longer than a season. It is no longer stylish to have many disposable pieces of jewellery, the focus on being green has now extended to our jewellery boxes. Mother nature is once again being recognised as the greatest designer of all. Natural, floral and leaf form jewellery are now considered highly desirable as they are a symbolic indication that you are ethically inspired. Similarly the focus is on natural stones such as onyx, agate and mother of pearl. All of which are relatively inexpensive, but tick the contemporary ethical and natural boxes.
So get ready for a new beginning, individualism is back. Express yours!