Ethnic

History of the Ethno Style

Until the 20th century, different peoples of the world considered it necessary to wear clothes that would reflect their social status, belonging to a certain kind. National costumes made it possible to determine the position of a person in society, and in some countries demonstrated an attitude to nature, the world, and God.

For example, in Western Asia, birds were welcomed, which symbolized the universe and nature, the physical and spiritual world. Floral patterns were actively used, again denoting the close connection between man and nature, as well as the veneration of all living things. The Indian national costume was often decorated with paisli - a Turkish cucumber, which in the understanding of the inhabitants symbolized human life. Other ornaments were also popular, but mainly floral - for example, a lotus flower, as a symbol of harmony and wisdom. Almost all national outfits were characterized by bright colors and an abundance of decor - at least a print on the fabric, and sometimes fringes, patches, beads. By the 20th century, national costumes had survived only in the hinterlands – remote villages and settlements, while the more central parts of the countries began to dress in a European way.

In the 21st century, national costumes still continue to be part of the ordinary life of a number of countries - in India, for example, many women continue to wear a sari - the national costume, but most of the population abandoned traditional outfits in favor of more practical and affordable ones. But ethnic clothing has not disappeared completely - modern girls, women and men are happy to try on elements of national clothes of different peoples, skillfully combining them with modern wardrobe items.

Designers also support the trend - in 2018-2019, the Etro brand presented a whole collection of clothes in the ethnic style. Characteristics of ethnic style

It is not easy to single out the specific features of the ethno style, since each national costume has its own characteristics. However, most often ethnic clothing is united by:

• National patterns. The main distinguishing feature of the ethnic style is the characteristic patterns on the clothes. These can be geometric, plant motifs, birds, animals, as well as abstract, but recognizable drawings. The specific set of patterns depends on the chosen ethnic direction - Turkish cucumbers and lotuses are characteristic of the Indian style, clouds, arrow, chrysanthemum, bamboo stem cage and so on are characteristic of the Japanese style;

@tati_gez

• Rich décor and bright colors. Traditional clothing was originally designed to attract attention, to shout about the belonging of a person, so they did not stint on colors and decor. Now this rule continues to be adhered to, but with the increasing popularity of minimalism and tranquility in images, ethnic clothing of more restrained shades and with a minimum number of ornaments appears more and more often;

@sultan_kazan

• Simplicity of cut and overall comfort of clothing. The cut of clothes in the style of ethno is simple, the silhouettes are free, nothing restricts movement. Even if outwardly the outfit looks complicated, uncomfortable - be sure, it will be convenient to dance and do housework in it;

@dusalakashmir

@beindiofficial

• Natural materials. Most often, cotton is used for the production of clothes in the ethno style - dresses, shirts and tunics are made mainly from this material. Silk, wool, linen, leather are also popular. A modern ethnic wardrobe may be less natural and include synthetic materials, but for the progenitors of the ethnic style, this was unacceptable.

@ivanka.club

@country_of_culture

Most often, the modern ethnic style is a mixture of different folk costumes in one image, but among fashionistas there are fans of only one, specific direction.

Directions of ethno style

The directions of ethnic style are determined by the people whose elements of traditional clothing can be traced in the wardrobe. If you go deeper, you can distinguish dozens of different types of ethno style - according to the number of nationalities of the world, but the most common are:

Egyptian

Egyptian style in clothing welcomes straight silhouettes - a trapeze dress, a straight skirt. All images seem geometric, logical. Ornaments are used different - pyramids, animals, different mythical creatures.

Greek

In contrast to the natural geometric Egypt, there is an asymmetric Greece. The images of girls dressed in the Greek style are always elegant, with obvious curves. At the same time, clothes still remain comfortable, although sometimes it seems that it is impossible to walk in such outfits. To decorate fabrics, plant motifs are used - from unknown plant branches to flowers. The Greeks, like the Egyptians, welcome white, gold and blue, as well as all pastel shades.

@deomidova_ekaterina

Indian

Traditional Indian clothing or country style is a special love of modern fashionistas. Fringe, stripes, bright prints and all this with the use of convenient materials and cut makes country a real find for the modern, ever-hurrying world.

Russian

Russian or Slavic ethnic style is characterized by a free cut and an abundance of decor - fur trim, ornaments, fringe. Red color is actively used, which is combined with blue, white, gold, black, green. For patterns, animal images, flowers and abstract geometry are used. Winter and late autumn in the wardrobe are characterized by hats with fur trim, as well as bright scarves.

@ivanka.club

@ivanka.club

Indian

Indian girls have always preferred multi-layered and asymmetrical outfits, so this distinctive feature has flowed into the modern Indian style of clothing. Colors are different - from pastels to bright. Prints are the previously mentioned paisley, as well as geometry and floral motifs. The Indian ethno is characterized by an abundance of jewelry - from earrings to rings and chains. All accessories are expressive, with large bright stones.

@jinn_iz_bytilki

African

The African style does not tolerate monotony - the outfits are always variegated, with prints of different variations - from abstractions, to deities and mythical animals. The cut of the outfits is free, so that it is comfortable and convenient. For additional decor, fringe is often used. A typical Accessory for an African ethno is a scarf tied on the head.

@ethnique.boutique

Asiatic

The Asian ethno includes Chinese and Japanese traditional outfits. The Chinese costume is simple, uncomplicated. Often with a standing collar, without unnecessary details, but with a deep neckline.

Clothing brands in the style of ethno

Ethno-style rarely becomes the main focus of clothing for world brands – they just sometimes include its elements in their collections, but there are 3 brands where at any time you can pick up an original ethnic outfit.

American designer and founder of the brand Anna Sui is inspired by the outfits of the peoples of the world. Her collections are distinguished by brightness, and the catalog is distinguished by an abundance of outfits in the ethnic style. Dresses, tunics, shirts, hats – that is, everything you need for a stylish bow.

@annasui

@annasui

@annasui

ETRO has a huge selection of clothes with ethnic motifs – from swimsuits, pants and shirts to outerwear. The signature pattern is paisley cucumbers, a traditional Indian print.

@etro

@etro

@etro

Russian designer Ulyana Sergienko and her brand are inspired by ethnic motifs and constantly produce dresses, suits, shirts and accessories with a hint of ethnicity. The brand can easily pick up a stylish, elegant evening dress, with all its appearance demonstrating a connection with national costumes.

@ulyana_sergeenko_moscow

@ulyana_sergeenko_moscow

Periodically, clothes are found in world-famous brands - Chanel, Valentino, Prada.

@maisonvalentino

Basic wardrobe in ethnic style

A modern basic wardrobe in the ethno style does not necessarily have to be attributed to a specific direction or certain traditional costumes. In addition, ethnic outfits are skillfully combined with modern clothes - jeans, trousers, various shoes - from sneakers to stilettos. That is, the modern ethnic style is outfits with elements of traditional costumes, and not a complete repetition of them.

To assemble a stylish wardrobe, include in it:

• Dress. Styles are very different - from a hint of an Indian sari to a light, loose dress with patterns. Ethno suggests midi or maxi length dresses, but modern designers also offer shortened models.

@ulyanasergeenko

@etro

@etro

@larkmet

@vecherka_astana

• The skirt in the ethnic style has a feminine, light, slightly naive cut - no pencils and other strict styles. A trapezoid or the sun will do. Patterns - at your choice - from jacquard to Turkish motifs.

@etro

@ivanka.club

• Blouses and tops are suitable from a light flowing fabric free and wide. Often there are voluminous sleeves. You can choose both a calmer blouse and a bright, rich in patterns.

@rinascimento_saratov

• For cool weather, a cardigan, trench coat or coat will become indispensable. Long, almost to the floor or shortened - barely covering the buttocks, choose yourself. The main thing is that the thing conveys all the features of the ethno - traditional prints, bright colors.

@etro

@etro

• A modern alternative to ethnic cardigans can be a stylized jeans with inserts.

@boholand_art

@boholand_art

The above things are successfully combined with modern jeans, simple basic T-shirts, shirts.

@etro

Shoes can be anything, but usually they are sandals or wedge shoes. Since we are talking about a modern wardrobe with an adjustment for ethno - by the way there will be sneakers, better than the basic color or in brown shades. Accessories - voluminous, bright. With stones, fringe, lace, chains.

@etro

Bags are also stylized. If you choose a stylish bag - it can be the only ethnic element in clothing and convey all the beauty of this direction.

@etro

@etro

Men's wardrobe in ethnic style

Men can convey the beauty of national costumes with the help of:

• Shirts with prints. The color is from pastel to neon, but always with a print. It will look great with jeans - both classic and with worn, torn or narrowed to the bottom;

@etro

@etro

@etro

• Jumpers, ponchos or sweaters with a hint of ethno. It, like the shirt, looks great with jeans and even classic pants.

• Afghani pants. You can choose plain or with pictures.

As accessories, use pendants on laces and braided straps, hints of amulets, scarves, bandanas.

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