The original Bohemians have an interesting tale. The French bohémien translates as ‘gypsy’ or ‘Roma people.’ They were travelers and mostly refugees from the Bohemia region in central Europe. In modern day, the idea of a gypsy has transformed to a grunge, rock, and idyllic state of a traveler who dresses chic and comfortable, keeping it edgy and classy. For people on the run and out most of their lives, this chase is fundamental to their choice of attire. It is undoubtedly an acquired taste, but also a superlative one. Famous writer and historian A. N. Wilson deemed the bohemian gypsy attire as “having attached itself to individuals as disparate as Jesus Christ, Shakespeare and Sherlock Holmes."
A real bohemian, fighting the trying chains of life, is one who is free from the runway rules and someone who incorporates the vibe for fashion’s velocity with their passion for love, freedom and innate desires. The freedom to create and play with nature’s core and fashionable elements can all be incorporated within this ensemble. Picture chunky bracelets, beads, metallic or wood loop earrings, a fashionable hat to top it off on a loose frill skirt and trendy vest. Gucci flip flops or Juicy Couture beach essentials – all fall within your freedom of expression.
Essential boho features are large sunglasses (try Tom Ford's impressive collection), large faux-coin belts, baggy cardigans and ‘hobo bags,’ flowing skirts (Dolce & Gabbana), boots (Burberry), loose jumpers, flowered dresses, headbands and kaftans. For a fun and less costly adventure, invest into the alternative range offered by Zara, H&M, Forever 21, Mango, New Look and River Island in local stores. The finest covenant you make with boho-chic is that it has no boundaries, no limits, and absolute wild imagination.
Ethnic inspired patterns are synonymous with the bohemian look, with metallic shine, zari embroidery, beading and florals being the biggest trends now, together with ‘hippie patterns’ inspired by the 1960s-1970s. The secret is to team patterns with solid colors. Adopt more length and volume by using sashes and long leather belts that hang across the front. You can choose layering pieces with textures such as a crocheted shrug over a tube top or a cute T-shirt.
Go with more – go with chunky bracelets, belts, chains, and long necklaces that have an ethnic and grunge feel to them, and maybe sport an anklet.
Not only are fashion artists, singers, artists and the regular market awed by this phenomenon, but music has also had a very strong influence on this style. Ranging from the psychedelic era, more people have come to terms with the fact that the free beat launched in open, boundless venues offer the perfect platform for this attire.
Referring to the “Summer of Love" of 1967, when 'hippiedom' and psychedelic were at their peak, journalist Bob Stanley rightly said, “The late 1960s are never entirely out of fashion, they just need a fresh angle to make them de jour.” The same goes for boho-chic. Psychedelic is not only most prevalent in today’s genre of music, but also a creed.
Nicole Scherzinger, lead vocalist of the Pussycat Dolls and easily one of the most alluring women on the screen, described her image as “understated-rock-boho-chic.” Sienna Miller was a supportive boho-chic Bella; her kohl-laden eyes with a messy look trampled fashionistas and inspired the look to many other girls.
The Sunday Times was quoted as saying that “Fashionable girls wore ruffly floral skirts in the hope of looking bohemian, nomadic, spirited and non-bourgeois,” whereas “Gypsy girls themselves… are sexy and delightful precisely because they do not give a hoot for fashion.” And now, bohemian fashion has become a reflection of the lifestyle itself.
Shane Watson referred to this fashion religion as “the way we dress now.” He felt this trend is not dictated but impacted in what he called “the triple-F crowd" (the ‘F’ referring to the F's in “famous and fashion-forward"). In 2004-2005, it was associated particularly with actress Sienna Miller and model Kate Moss in the United Kingdom, and with Mary-Kate, Ashley Olsen and Nicole Richie in the United States. Evidently, the theme of bohemianism lives long in time, re-surfacing and adding virtual appeal to the prime names in fashion.
It is about your personal statement, style and playing with freedom of desire.
So draw out your creative paraphernalia and use that obscured designer within you to liberate your potential. Be fabulous. Be boho-chic.
