Multicultural Fashion Trends: A Potluck of Style

As technology and methods of transportation continue to develop, so does our respective knowledge of the rest of the world. The internet allows us to learn about cultures we didn’t know existed even fifty years ago, while the commercial plane can take us there to learn about other parts of the world in person. This rise in global familiarity is called “globalization”, and it’s something that continues to greatly impact modern society every day.

Globalization has given rise to a multicultural “potluck” in many areas of our everyday life. Political views and religious beliefs are being spread from one part of the world to the next on the daily, as well as things like slang and even fashion trends. 

While the incorporation of a culture’s traditional apparel into popular fashion is a topic still debated as being appropriate or not, it is interesting to see the development of any of these newly acquired cultural trends. Some things, like the bindi, is traditionally used for religious and spiritual purposes, while modern trends have created a decorative version that holds no traditional meaning. In this case, it is important when adopting the style as someone who was not raised in Indian culture to recognize the distinction between these two forms of expression so as not to wear something culturally significant which you don’t actually understand.

Other pieces of traditional apparel that have been adopted by modern fashion don’t place so much significance on the purpose of the item. The moccasin, for example, was worn by Native Americans because it was the most functional piece of footwear available. It is worn for the same reason by other parts of the world, so a distinction between modern and traditional moccasins isn’t necessarily required.     

The subject of cultural appropriation is still undoubtedly a touchy one, but by knowing the meaning behind any traditional piece of clothing, one can avoid being a part of the battle. This area of globalization, then, not only gives you a cool new trend, but also educates you on the culture it comes from.