As cultures around the world become increasingly interconnected, so have fashion and culture fused together to create a unique, heterogenous style of expression. It’s a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity as fashion draws inspiration from the past and morphs it into something fresh and eye-catching. It’s a new movement of style and identity, one that celebrates the diversity of its inhabitants while pushing boundaries and venturing into uncharted fashion waters. Let’s take a closer look at this intriguing fusion of tradition and modernity, and explore how fashion has become the canvas for broader cultural expression.

1. Exploring the Intersection of Fashion and Culture

Fashion has always been a powerful tool for cultural exploration and expression. Not only is the form and function of clothing fundamentally linked to the culture in which it is created, but its changing trends and highlights can offer insightful perspectives into how cultures develop and interact. Here are some key ways fashion journeys through culture.

The Impact of Interconnected Globalization
Today’s fashion industry is an example of how globalization can spread trends around the world at lightning speed while still reflecting local cultures. For example, streetwear as defined by high-end fashion labels like Supreme has spread to countries like Japan and South Korea thanks to public influencers and online shopping. Although the initial inspiration may have been American, it’s since become a worldwide phenomenon, evolving and becoming unique to each place. Spanish handcrafted shoes, Japanese kimonos, and French scarves are becoming more accessible around the world, thanks to social media.

The Impact of Cultural Exposure
Cultural exchange is increasingly facilitated through fashion and trends. Certain items of clothing, such as the kurta, can come to represent a country’s culture and are seen as a bridge between cultures, connecting far-flung-places and the people that inhabit them. This was particularly apparent when BoF’s The Global Fashion Survey reported that 60 percent of consumers are trying to find opportunities to wear items that express their cultural identity, across age groups.

The Unifying Power of Tradition
Traditional fashion, such as the kimono, sarouel, or sari, are not only symbolic of culture in an artistic sense but can also be used to unify communities. For example, during a festival in India, people might wear bright, colorful clothing in a similar style to demonstrate group unity and signify their traditional values and beliefs.

The Changing Scope of Eclecticism
The concept of eclecticism is nothing new in fashion, but modern trends show its scope has changed. Designers are embracing the potential of interconnectivity between different cultures, using elements from various cultures — both traditional and contemporary — to inspire and inform their designs. For instance, British designer Stella McCartney drew from traditional Japanese techniques for her autumn winter 2018 collection, adding her signature ethical design aesthetic for modern day.

Through influences of the contemporary, global world, fashion can act as an essential platform for exploring and expressing culture in a number of different ways. From demonstrating unity through tradition to utilizing the range of styles made possible through globalization, fashion serves as a powerful tool for culture and its many evolutions throughout the ages.

2. Traditional Designs Reimagine in Modern Form

Classically styled designs get a modern day makeover in this reinvented collection. Home decor and textile pieces mingle with jewellery and accessories, all celebrating a vibrant, contemporary interpretation of conventional designs.

Vibrant Hues Update Vintage Designs
Dazzling hues bring a fresh and original feel to vintage looks, with geometric patterns and vibrant colours creating a modern appeal. These designs still give an air of timeless charm and sophistication, modernized by a selection of intriguing and eye-catching palettes in jewel toned shades.

Timeless Shapes, Refined Details
Traditional shapes are given a modern twist by bold, geometric shapes, taking classic designs and adding enthralling flair. Expanded outlines, streamlined silhouettes, and intricate details enhance the designs, giving a vibrant look without sacrificing traditional values.

A Blend of Old and New
Old-fashioned styles and materials, such as knitwear, are given a modern interpretation, taking styles back in time and breathing life into them through revised textures, hues, and silhouettes. Tailored cuts, elegant details, and intricate foldings finish off the look.

Gorgeous pieces that range from wall hangings to ornaments to necklaces take their inspiration from classic designs, modernized through a variety of materials and shapes. A combination of techniques, such as hand embroidery, stone inlay, delicate cut work, and crochet, bring a unique twist to vintage looks.

3. Harmonizing the Past and the Present

As the world evolves, it is necessary to reconcile the past and the present. To ensure a peaceful future, both must be in harmony. Here are the steps for ensuring the past and the present harmonize:

• Reflect on the past, while not letting those experiences dictate the present. What worked in the past may not be applicable to the times we live in now. Those experiences can provide valuable knowledge to inform decisions and provide guidance, but should not prevent individuals from taking necessary risks regularly to expand their current lifestyles.
• Respect the traditional ways. At the same time, it is important to remember and appreciate the past. Disregarding the values, wisdom, and customs of the past generation may ultimately be to the detriment of all, as those aspects from the past may bring us closer to achieving new ideas and future goals.
• Incorporate the traditions and values of the past into the present. The key is to use the past as a tool to enrich and better the current. By doing so, individuals are able to create something new, but still stay connected to the original culture and history. This is the beauty of progress.
• Look for what is universal. It is important to remember that some beliefs and traditions are universal, no matter the time period. Revisiting of such cultural practices allow us to access deeper wisdom and a greater understanding of the world — and of ourselves. These values are what should be kept and passed down for generations to come.

Creating a balanced existence between the past and the present can be difficult yet extremely rewarding. By synthesizing the experiences and wisdom from the past with the ideas of the present, it is possible to bring forth something new that can better the lives of all.

It is essential to remember the history of the world and build upon it rather than simply discarding it. Through deeper understanding and respect for each other, we can create the harmony necessary to bring forth something truly great.

4. The Future of Fashion: Bridging Unity and Diversity

As the fashion industry continues to take strides in promoting unity and diversity, the future of fashion has never looked brighter. In recent years, the spotlight has been increasingly shared across races, genders and body types. Inclusivity is at an all-time high, and we are truly seeing the fashion world come together in ways never seen before.

Among the frontrunners is the plus size fashion industry. Bigger bodies have been often overlooked by designers in the fashion world in the past, but now more and more ‘plus size’ models are making it to the mainstream. This is not only paving the way for designs which are tailored to the specific body types, but it is also a direct challenge to archaic notions of which bodies are ‘attractive’.

Another significant factor driving the future of fashion forward is the emergence of sustainable methods of production. Eco-friendly designers and manufacturers are looking to creative ways of sourcing fabrics which reduce wastage and pollution. As much as fashion statement, wearers are now seeking clothing which comes from responsible and sustainable production. It is becoming increasingly normal to openly display one’s ethical and moral perspectives through fashion choices.

The world of fashion is also being revolutionized by makers of fun, off-beat fashion. Unconventional style is being normalised and more often than not, it is being met with less judgement and often more acceptance.

Finally, the rise of technology is truly bridging the gap between fashion and the individual by blurring the lines between the two. We are beginning to truly reap the advantages of an increasingly connected world. From using motion sensors for interactive clothing to using technology to access designs from around the globe, the potential of the fashion industry is truly immense.

• Plus size fashion is taking center-stage and challenging body-type notions.
• Sustainable fashion has become a major driving factor for designers and consumers.
• Off-beat fashion statements are becoming socially accepted.
• Increasing technology has opened up new possibilities and accessibilities in the fashion industry.

The future of fashion is one of unity, diversity and inclusion – and it continues to grow even brighter.

Coming together from varying aesthetics and tastes, fashion and culture work in perfect harmony and remind us that timeless style knows no bounds. By exploring the mixture of traditional and modern design elements, we can find a happy balance between these two worlds. As this classic meets contemporary combination continues to evolve, the potential of fashion and culture remains as limitless as ever.