The Cultural Fashion Trend that’s Emerging in NYC
Hello my fashionistas! I’m so thrilled to announce that I’ve become a writer for the Examiner. I’m going to be your eyes and ears of the New York fashion scene as the NYC Fashion Examiner with a focus on Manhattan. I get a lot of my style inspiration from this city because New York is a perfect blend of the fashion trends emerging globally. With so much attitude on this tiny island, street-style is where it’s at!
The Doost wearing Iwan Tirta Private Collection
So as warmer days are approaching, our style is evolving too — from those thick winter coats to the revealing 70’s flare we saw during this past NYFW — iconic trends are returning to our wardrobes with a modern twist. One of the most unique trends emerging out of NYC are people’s incorporation of exotic cultural and traditional wear from all over the globe.
Maybe this trend has something to do with our advanced awareness around the globe, maybe people are genuinely more interested in other people’s heritage and are borrowing from classic foreign trends. Stars like Beyonce are already owning that wave — her visual album LEMONADE incorporates so much of her own roots. It doesn’t just stop with Bey — Mathangi ‘Maya’ Arulpragasam from M.I.A is also owning her Indian roots with her sari pieces.
Amongst my favorites are styles from the Middle East and Asia. These trends consist of a few noteworthy components like bold colors, metallic accents, and intriguing patterns. Countries like Indonesia, with over a dozen islands, each have distinct patterns they associate themselves with. We see some of that in designers like Mel Ahyar, Imaji Studios, and in Irwan Tirta’s Private Collection.
Wearing Indonesian designer Imaji Studios
Ruthie Darling wearing Indonesian designer Mel Ahyar
Ruthie Darling wearing Indonesian designer Mel Ahyar
Amy Devan has taken some of the most traditional attire from places like Pakistan and Afghanistan and transformed them into more updated versions with elegance and sultry cuts. Here is a traditional Afghan kaftan dress with a modern twist I wore.
Gina Doost wearing Amy Devan
Culture is a beautiful thing and I love seeing New Yorkers embrace it and turn it into something unique.
