Bohemian style is a fashion style strongly related to hippie fashion, in which natural fabrics, retro patterns, neutrals and warm shades merge with 70s style accents and a flair for statement accessories.The fashions labelled as bohemian represent the lifestyle ideology that comes with it: an alternative to the traditional way of dressing, paired up with an equally alternative, more liberated lifestyle and a social stance against everything from materialism to society’s constraints.As the role of women in society changes so is the general concept of feminine symbols such as flowers in clothing.
Over 200 years ago, bohemian was a term referred to an exotic style sense, usually associated with the artists of the time, as well as with writers and certain eccentric intellectuals. As a result, ‘bohemian’ became synonym with a culture, or, better said, counterculture, associated with creativity, artistic expression, as well as disregard to social constructs and mainstream aesthetics.The origin of bohemian style is strongly correlated with the bohemians, a counterculture that appeared in France after the French Revolution and become popular in the 1960’s. The era saw many artists plunge into poverty, as a result of being deprived of the former system of patronage.
However the current fashion style of 2022 can be described as “adding petals to the metal”.With signature retro cuts, vaporous layers, mismatched patterns, casual vintage looks, and floral-style dresses with pockets, the bohemian styles are in high demand right now.Louis Vuitton’s light-hearted florals decorate jumpsuits; Chloe’s asymmetric aprons and skirts are delicate and feminine; Valentino’s playful patterns were inspired by Matisse; Stella McCartney offered tight-fitting floral Bermudas.Boho is starting to produce trends that show off the body. Open shirts with a bikini underneath, short floral skirts, or denim shorts are now creeping into the boho style.
– IRENE JAMES
