Cultural Influences on Fashion
Happy Fashion Friday!
I wanted to talk a little about how culture(s) influence some of our fashion choices. This particular topic is something near to me because an Israelite Woman there are things that I do and don’t wear. Although many people’s fashion choices are just that, choices, some women do take into consideration the role their culture or religious beliefs play in their lives.
DISCLAIMER: I am NO expert. This post is based solely on opinion and what I have observed.
So let’s get into it. The first thing you’ll notice about me, whether meeting me in person or scrolling through my instagram, is that I only wear skirts. This is due to my cultural beliefs and my way of life as an Israelite Woman. I was raised only wearing skirts and literally know nothing else. I have gotten all sorts of questions about it from many people like, “Don’t you get cold in the winter?”(No Sis, I wear layers just like you), to “It must be so hard wearing skirts everyday” (About as hard as it is to fit into your skinny jeans LOL). But on a serious note, the way I was raised has entirely influenced my style and the things that I choose and choose not to partake in.
I had a conversation with a friend of mine and we were talking about sneakers (I LOVE sneakers), and there was a particular pair that piqued my interest but when I realized they were Nike, it was a NO for me. Why is that? Well, having monotheistic beliefs and considering that Nike was the goddess of flight, you can kind of see why I don’t even go there. Again, all of this isn’t linear because there are women who are apart of my culture that wear Nike and whatever else. This is a personal choice!
When we consider brands, influencers and even celebrities, we never think about why they choose to present or express themselves in a certain way. Take Halima Aden for example. She is a Muslim Woman and an American Fashion Model, yet she continues to wear her Hijab and has defied fashion stereotypes by doing so. I commend her always because she didn’t allow society to define who she is, SHE CHOSE!
Sometimes it can be very difficult and overwhelming to hold fast to your beliefs when we live in a society that consistently tells us that we need to be, think and live a certain way. Always stay true to YOU Sis, All Ways.
xx
Meraiah