What is ethnic style in general? The history of fashion does not know a more original, colorful and strange style. This style has emerged due to the subculture of the hippies. All their existence, world outlook, way of life became contrary to the generally accepted rules and norms of behavior. In the sixties of the last century, hippies turned away from European values, and turned to the ancient history of Africa, the East and Central America. In life, not only world outlook, behavior, but also traditional ethnic motifs in clothes, shoes, accessories were embodied. The history of fashion has received new bright trends, uncharacteristic of traditional European civilization.
The second half of the sixties was marked by the scandalous appearance of mini-skirts. High boots combined with a super mini, the use of synthetic, artificial materials captured the whole world. It seemed that in the future only "cosmic" fashion awaits us, that there will be no return to the classics. But it's good that it all happened differently.
Hippies have not changed themselves. To the general hobby for mini-skirts, they were opposed by long skirts made of natural materials and jeans. At a time when everyone was fond of geometric forms of clothing, informal youth chose flowing lines, ethnic motives.
Taking as a model to follow the peoples of the Ancient East, the hippies wore clothes that did not hamper the movement. Among them, we can distinguish blouses and dresses from translucent fabrics, "flying" tunics and scarves, Indian saris and attire of monks of Tibet. The main value in life was harmony with nature. And it was expressed in everything, even in clothes. It was made exclusively of natural materials, ideally - with their own hands.
Children of flowers imitated not only the Eastern peoples. They were inspired also by the history of the Moroccans, the American Indians, the Gypsies. It was the hippies who once again opened for the fashion Indian moccasins, Mexican ponchos, Moroccan tunics, colorful gypsy skirts, accessories made of beads, baubles, and much more.
How did the high fashion react to the hobby of hippy? How did the ethnic style affect the history of fashion? The sixties were a difficult decade in the history of fashion. The peculiarity of this period lies in the fact that fashion trends shifted from the streets to the fashionable stage, and not vice versa. Modelers with world names drew inspiration in the novelties of street fashion. These novelties developed and improved, turning into a work of art.
One of the first turned to the ethno style of Yves Saint Laurent. In 1960, "rocker brides" came to the podium. Black turtlenecks, leather blousons. This collection caused serious criticism from high society, other fashion designers and the press. Yves Saint Laurent was forced to leave the fashion house of Dior, although at that time he headed it. But leaving only gave freedom and independence. And after a while his collection with elements of ethnic style was highly appreciated.
At that time, the hippie's clothing caused disgust, many considered it untidy, dilapidated. After Yves Saint Laurent laid his hand on the ethnic style, she acquired a noble, salon-like appearance. Romantic garments made of silk and organza for aristocrats were qualitatively different from patchwork with mixed patterns of street hippies. Couturier in his works used the traditional motifs of Africa, Peru, Ancient China, Morocco. The clothes of this master became popular among people who possessed multi-million dollar states.
Ethnic style in the history of fashion - high fashion from Yves Saint Laurent has played a crucial role. The African collection was lined with the brightness of flowers and unusual deshiviznoy materials. They used flax, wood, straw and glass. The Chinese collection abounded with unusual colors: pink and orange, yellow and purple. Unusual ostentatious theatrical luxury. Indian collections brought unusual airiness. But according to the most couturier, the most beautiful was the Russian collection. Russian revolution in fashion did not happen, but the interest of Europeans to everything Russian awoke. This fashion does not lose its relevance to this day.
The ethnic style and history of fashion was largely influenced by the Japanese fashion designer Kenzo. His ethnic style was distinguished by a cheerful variety. It is interesting to combine a simple kimono cut and Scandinavian, South American, oriental elements. Japanese fabrics in flower next to the Scottish cage, a Chinese jacket with a collar stand is complemented by white cotton flounces in the country style. Kenzo actively uses the Spanish bolero, Indian fringe, Russian kosovorotki and fur hats, Indian pajamas. Experiments of the modeller led to a combination of sports or classical style with elements of ethno.
The history of fashion will not do without the mention of Jean-Paul Gaultier. Ethnic style accompanies all his collections. As soon as ethno entered his work in 1976, he never leaves it. Sami loved the reception of Gautier - the use of elements of national costumes of different peoples in combination and blending of different styles. Inspiration couturier draws on the streets of the city. For example, after seeing the Hasidic rabbis, Jean-Paul created the "Rabbi-chic" collection. The basis is vests, long-sleeved dark clothes, shirts, ruffles and "kip" caps. But the culture of South-East Asia inspired the creation of the collection "Tatu", which became fashionable for youth fashion for a decade. "Chips" of the collection - piercing, graffiti, imitation of tattoos. Ethnol was present in the collections "The Great Journey", "The Mongols", "The African Saga".