What is fashion? There are many answers to this question.
Experts believe that fashion is being able to present oneself in a manner they’re proud of and comfortable with. On the other hand, fashion enthusiasts think that fashion is being able to don the latest line of clothing, like tunics, shoes, and so on – all of which allow them to be the crowd standout. What is a tunic, you may ask? It’s a kind of loose-fitting apparel that has gained mass popularity during the past few years.
Others perceive fashion as a means of showing a sense of belonging to a particular group, belief, nationality, or racial background, and others.
Whatever it may mean, fashion is perceived differently in different parts of the globe. And why is this so? Multiple factors make fashion and style appear and be perceived differently for one individual compared to another person. They mainly include fashion’s purpose, color palette, rules and propriety, and many more.
In the intricate universe of fashion, there are two main worlds – Western fashion and Eastern fashion, each with its nuances that make it alluring and unique. Continue reading to learn more about each one.
Western Fashion 101
The wearer’s individuality and comfort mainly characterize Western fashion today. It’s believed that to a typical Westerner, their fashion choices are about what they want the world to know about them and what’s not uncomfortable to wear during a given period.
For instance, trendy tunics are the talk of the town these days thanks to their unique style that allows their wearer to get noticed and stand out in the crowd. Their loose form and airy material make wearing tunics a pleasant experience.
The main reason behind Western fashion’s focus on liberality is said to be due to the historical movements that have impacted the lands in the Western Hemisphere.
The Industrial Revolution is believed to be the main driver of the development of Western fashion into the form that the world knows and loves today. Due to the process of mechanization brought upon by newly invented machines, people started to have more efficient work tasks, including manufacturing clothing and other fashion pieces for the masses. This led to many people to enjoy the liberty of making their own fashion choices, such as picking the outfit they wanted to wear for the day.
Besides that, it’s said that the birth of the modern nation-state and the idea of democracy and self-determination further cemented the notion that a person is free to express themself in many ways – including making their own fashion choices.
When it comes to color, Western fashion embraces a plethora of color options. One can enjoy monotone colors to joyous hues in their choices of clothing and fashion accessories.
Regarding rules and propriety, there are cases where fashion choices aren’t too heavily regulated and dictated by circumstances and societal constraints. For instance, liberal Western countries today tout their citizenry being able to express themselves based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression (SOGIE). Nonetheless, fashion is generally regulated for more formal settings such as corporate meetings, significant life events like weddings, and many more.
Eastern Fashion 101
Opposite its abovementioned peer, Eastern fashion is a whole different world. Due to the region’s reliance on old cultural norms and family values, Eastern fashion is characterized chiefly as more conservative and rule based.
Liberal Western ideals have just recently been introduced to many lands in the East; hence, there are many Oriental societies that’ve been slow in incorporating Western fashion trends.
In relation to tradition, most Eastern fashion color principles have deep meanings that the individual should be aware of. For example, there are certain colors that aren’t allowed to be worn during certain occasions due to the meanings associated with them. Wearing red clothing or using gold-colored fashion accessories during the New Year celebration is said to be helpful in bringing in good luck.
To add, propriety is strongly imposed in Eastern fashion movements. For instance, many Eastern ladies aren’t comfortable showing off their skin by wearing sheer clothing or dresses with daring cuts to the body due to the negative connotation that comes with it. And there are still strict rules on who wears what in many Eastern countries, such as the rule of only women being allowed to wear kimonos in Japan. And crossing the strict line on fashion based on gender rules is extremely frowned upon in conservative Eastern fashion circles.
In Conclusion
Fashion is interpreted differently by individuals. As a crystal-clear example, there are key differences between what Western fashion offers to the table compared to Eastern fashion. Although different from each other, it’s best to keep in mind that both offer their unique take on fashion that’s beautiful and worthy of respect.
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