Arab faces are omnipresent these days, but they're typically featured more on the news than on runways. Several high-profile designers chose to change the bias for their Spring 2010 menswear collections with a bit of Arab style.
It's easy to sense the trace of the Ottoman Empire at John Galliano's Spring 2010 menswear show, though its theme--Napoleon's rise to power--sounds far more French. From the models' dark skin to the loose layers, sand-colored shirts, dark brown belts, and red headscarves, all signs show a clear link to the desert, camels and tribes scattered throughout the Middle East centuries ago.
Issey Miyake’s Spring 2010 collection is similarly exotic. Designer Dai Fujiwara was inspired by a trip to Turkey, so it's no surprise to see gorgeous Turkish blue, unique pointy shoes and the Ottoman patterns in the line.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Arab-inspired Menswear
- The use of Arab-inspired fashion in menswear presents an opportunity for designers to incorporate traditional elements into modern clothing.
- Ottoman Textiles and Patterns
- Incorporating Ottoman textiles and patterns into fashion collections is a way to blend historical and cultural influences with contemporary styles.
- Cultural Representation in Fashion
- The increasing use of cultural elements in fashion collections suggests a trend towards diverse representation and the celebration of different cultures.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Fashion
- Fashion designers and retailers can take advantage of the trend towards cultural representation by incorporating new and diverse styles into their collections.
- Textile Manufacturing
- The use of Ottoman patterns and textiles in fashion collections presents an opportunity for textile manufacturers to create fabrics and prints that are inspired by historical designs.
- Tourism
- The incorporation of cultural elements in fashion and other industries can drive tourism by promoting interest in different cultures and their histories.
