Wednesday, February 20, 2013

BOHEMIA – To Flow Against The Wind


Long curly hair, black sunglasses, a headband, loose, flared trousers, wide boat neck shirt, high-heeled leather boots and a slouchy hat with a wide brim – Texas??? It sounds pretty much like American countryside attire. But definitely, it is not. You might recall Zeenat Aman grooving lethargically to R.D. Burman’s classic, ‘Dum Maaro Dum’. Hash been smoked off, nomadic life, staying rooted to the nature, a complete reject from regular fashion, standing out in the crowd, shocking the world – all these traits owe their allegiance to the hippie style that came to the fore in late 1960s.

Before getting into the Bohemian groove, let’s find out the meaning and significance of the name. With respect to the history of our human civilization, a Bohemian is a resident of Kingdom of Bohemia, better known as Czech Republic in the present geographical etymology. When it comes to ‘Bohemia’, it was derived from Boii, a Celtic tribe. Social unconventionality is a general reference that is often tagged with this particular term. The hippie movement during the mid-1960s in USA reinforced this idea of social rejection.

When it struck a chord in the world of fashion, fashion pundits all over the world considered Bohemian or Boho as a state of mind. This timeless and ageless psychological revolution induced a completely new definition of looking unique from the rest of the crowd. Bohemian clothing derives its parentage from ethnic wear. Colourful folk art or psychedelic, floral, geometrical, Moroccan kitsch, ancient Sanskrit or Devanagari scripture prints define Bohemian fashion. A Bohemian fashionista prefers to be outrageous rather than getting lost in the usual fashion labyrinths.

Being Bohemian does not necessarily demand embracing of a certain kind of clothing only. One who refuses to flow with the crowd establishes himself/herself as a Bohemian. Take a look at Audrey Hepburn and her fashion statements. Or for that matter, Lady Gaga, Kate Moss, Chloe Sevigny, Mischa Barton, Sienna Miller, The Olsens or any other well-known figure in the entertainment diaspora who have made headlines in newspapers and television worldwide, Bohemianism is always what they try and convey. Detailing is another important aspect of boho-chic style. Accessories like layered necklaces, berets and head scarves, belts, moccasins, cowboy boots, leggings, ballerina flats, platform shoes, and sequined vests complete your Bohemian style quotient.

Bohemian style quotient is all about individuality, anti-establishment, critical thinking and a core interest in art, literature, music and visual arts. 

 

 

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