5 Iconic Fashion Trends Around the Globe
Fashion is a continuously evolving global phenomenon. Paris, Milan, New York, Tokyo – these fashion capitals attract designers from all corners of the world, designers who draw inspiration from different cultures across the globe.
Many famous style trends have humble cultural origins, sometimes traced back all the way to antiquity.
Here are 5 iconic styles from different world cultures that are now famous fashion trends:
1. Ushanka
The ushanka is a type of fur hat originating from Russia. The term simply translates to “ear flap hat,” and indeed, ushankas are characterized by a pair of ear flaps that can be pulled down and fastened at the chin, protecting the ears, jaw and back of the head.
It was designed to help people withstand the frigid Siberian winters, which can dip to an average of -10 °C. As a result, the ushanka became an essential uniform of several Siberian military forces throughout history. When the winters aren’t too merciless, the ushanka can also be worn with the ear flaps folded up and tied at the back.
Today, ushankas are still in use as essential military uniform pieces in countries with cold winters. They are also indispensable as ski headgear, and are fashionable yet functional winter wardrobe pieces. Seriously, you cannot spend a winter in Russia without one of these, unless you want your ears to freeze!
2. Beret
When you hear the word beret, does your mind immediately conjure up images of Paris fashion trends and French painters? I’m not surprised; it can’t be denied that a few famous artists did play a part in popularizing the “typical Frenchman” image! Rembrandt, Monet, Picasso and Cezanne were among the painters known to have worn the classic beret and even featured it in their works.
This little round hat had existed for centuries before it was popularized by shepherds in France’s Basque region during the 17th century. Soon after, the beret was adopted by industrial workers, and then by Parisian artists who made it so iconic. Later on, berets were used as military headgear in various countries around the world.
Berets were traditionally worn by men, but as fashion trends evolved, women began wearing them. This was thanks in huge part to Coco Chanel, who spearheaded the change. When big-name movies stars Greta Garbo and Brigitte Bardot were shown wearing them in films, the beret became a huge hit and has been a timeless women’s fashion accessory since then.
You can wear a beret in several ways, even flat on your head if you want to! However, the most famous is the slanted style, with the beret worn at a slightly downward angle to the right or left of the head.
3. Gele
As far as fashion trends go, this one was inspired by a specific ethnic group. Of the many different African-style headwraps, the gele is particular to the Yoruba tribe of western Nigeria. With its many layers and voluminous size, the gele is probably the most elaborate of African headwraps out there!
Well, of those we know of, at least. It is is traditionally worn by the women of the tribe during formal occasions, along with the "iro" (wrap-around skirt) and "buba" (loose-fitting blouse). Stiff fabrics are the ideal choices since they can be folded into layers that allow the gele to stay in shape. Fabrics imported from Switzerland or Austria are typically used, but those of the Yoruba prefer a local, handwoven fabric called aso oke, especially for ceremonial occasions like weddings.
As a style trend, modern gele now come in colorful fabrics, glamorous prints and fancy embellishments. Celebrities who have popularized the gele include Erykah Badu and Lupita Nyong'o. Tying the gele can be quite tricky and learning isn’t easy either.
There are salons that offer gele tying services but these are mostly found in Nigerian communities. If there isn't one in your area, YouTube tutorials are your best bet. Thankfully, there are tons of them, proving how popular this fashion trend has become!
4. Kimono
The Japanese kimono is one of the most iconic fashion trends in existence. Although the kimono itself hasn't quite been adapted outside of Japan in its original form, many modern designers have drawn inspiration from it, incorporating its traditional features with the latest trends in fashion.
At its simplest, a kimono is a traditional garment consisting of a T-shaped robe with ankle-length hem and long, wide sleeves, and a sash called an obi that secures the robe in place. It is worn during slightly casual to strictly formal occasions; thus, there are different types of kimono to match whichever occasion it is used for.
Typically, the more formal the occasion, the more pieces or layers are included in the garment. However, modern Japanese now favor Western garb for everyday wear. Kimonos are only worn during significant formal occasions, with the more comfortable yukata as a favorite outfit for festivals.
One of the most important things to remember if you would like to wear a kimono or yukata is to always wrap the robe around your body with the left side over the right. The other way around is only used when dressing the dead for burial, so it's a mistake you surely don't want to make!
5. Espadrille
The espadrille is another one of those fashion trends that date back centuries. The name espadrille is of French origin, derived from the Catalan espardenya, a term that refers to a certain type of shoe made of esparto rope.
These shoes were common in both French and Spanish regions; the Spanish called them alpargata. Originally simple footwear worn by peasants, it gained popularity when an enterprising couple began producing comfy yet fashionable versions for the rest of society.
The humble espadrille got some love from no less than the late John Paul II and the famed painter Salvador Dali. Later on, fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent would bring back the fashion trend because he wanted wedge-style espadrilles.
Modern espadrilles commonly have soles made of jute rope and canvas or cotton fabric uppers. In the summer a pair of espadrilles and a white casual dress they are a perfect match
Remember, an espadrille is defined by its rope sole — if it doesn't have a rope sole, it's not an espadrille!
Many famous style trends have humble cultural origins, sometimes traced back all the way to antiquity.
Here are 5 iconic styles from different world cultures that are now famous fashion trends:
1. Ushanka
 |
It was designed to help people withstand the frigid Siberian winters, which can dip to an average of -10 °C. As a result, the ushanka became an essential uniform of several Siberian military forces throughout history. When the winters aren’t too merciless, the ushanka can also be worn with the ear flaps folded up and tied at the back.
Today, ushankas are still in use as essential military uniform pieces in countries with cold winters. They are also indispensable as ski headgear, and are fashionable yet functional winter wardrobe pieces. Seriously, you cannot spend a winter in Russia without one of these, unless you want your ears to freeze!
2. Beret
 |
This little round hat had existed for centuries before it was popularized by shepherds in France’s Basque region during the 17th century. Soon after, the beret was adopted by industrial workers, and then by Parisian artists who made it so iconic. Later on, berets were used as military headgear in various countries around the world.
Berets were traditionally worn by men, but as fashion trends evolved, women began wearing them. This was thanks in huge part to Coco Chanel, who spearheaded the change. When big-name movies stars Greta Garbo and Brigitte Bardot were shown wearing them in films, the beret became a huge hit and has been a timeless women’s fashion accessory since then.
You can wear a beret in several ways, even flat on your head if you want to! However, the most famous is the slanted style, with the beret worn at a slightly downward angle to the right or left of the head.
3. Gele
 |
Well, of those we know of, at least. It is is traditionally worn by the women of the tribe during formal occasions, along with the "iro" (wrap-around skirt) and "buba" (loose-fitting blouse). Stiff fabrics are the ideal choices since they can be folded into layers that allow the gele to stay in shape. Fabrics imported from Switzerland or Austria are typically used, but those of the Yoruba prefer a local, handwoven fabric called aso oke, especially for ceremonial occasions like weddings.
As a style trend, modern gele now come in colorful fabrics, glamorous prints and fancy embellishments. Celebrities who have popularized the gele include Erykah Badu and Lupita Nyong'o. Tying the gele can be quite tricky and learning isn’t easy either.
There are salons that offer gele tying services but these are mostly found in Nigerian communities. If there isn't one in your area, YouTube tutorials are your best bet. Thankfully, there are tons of them, proving how popular this fashion trend has become!
4. Kimono
 |
At its simplest, a kimono is a traditional garment consisting of a T-shaped robe with ankle-length hem and long, wide sleeves, and a sash called an obi that secures the robe in place. It is worn during slightly casual to strictly formal occasions; thus, there are different types of kimono to match whichever occasion it is used for.
Typically, the more formal the occasion, the more pieces or layers are included in the garment. However, modern Japanese now favor Western garb for everyday wear. Kimonos are only worn during significant formal occasions, with the more comfortable yukata as a favorite outfit for festivals.
One of the most important things to remember if you would like to wear a kimono or yukata is to always wrap the robe around your body with the left side over the right. The other way around is only used when dressing the dead for burial, so it's a mistake you surely don't want to make!
5. Espadrille
 |
These shoes were common in both French and Spanish regions; the Spanish called them alpargata. Originally simple footwear worn by peasants, it gained popularity when an enterprising couple began producing comfy yet fashionable versions for the rest of society.
The humble espadrille got some love from no less than the late John Paul II and the famed painter Salvador Dali. Later on, fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent would bring back the fashion trend because he wanted wedge-style espadrilles.
Modern espadrilles commonly have soles made of jute rope and canvas or cotton fabric uppers. In the summer a pair of espadrilles and a white casual dress they are a perfect match
Remember, an espadrille is defined by its rope sole — if it doesn't have a rope sole, it's not an espadrille!
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