Gypsy style, in the harsh light of day
By Ben Seidler and Simon Marks
Published: October 3, 2008
PARIS: Giorgio Armani's fall 2008 collection, shown earlier this year in Milan, featured models swathed in bohemian lace and embroidered shawls that trickled over fringed and floral ankle-skimming skirts. Four months later, Frida Giannini unveiled Gucci's spring 2009 cruise collection in Rome, with billowing sleeves and chiffon skirts that floated around the models as if they were Gypsies constantly in mid-twirl.
Fashion's ongoing fascination with the Gypsy style of dress is intriguing because the ethnic minority, which prefers to be known as Roma, has been scorned and at the center of several large-scale persecutions in Europe, especially during the 20th century.
Italy, in particular, has been at the center of a recent controversy over legislation that authorizes the fingerprinting of Gypsies within its borders, whether they are Italian citizens or not. In July, the European Parliament urged the government to reconsider, saying the legislation was racial discrimination.
Why is Western fashion so enthused about Gypsy style? "Perhaps because Gypsies have been able to escape from the lives that we have," said the Dior designer John Galliano, who often references Gypsies in his work. "The Gypsy life is one of moving from one place to the next, finding what you need, putting together a look, fashion is not important to them, and somehow that makes it work - to them it is function over frivolity."
Yet, as designers voice their enthusiasm for Gypsy motifs, they also say there is probably little relationship between that and the problems the minority group faces in modern Europe.
(MORE)
Published: October 3, 2008
PARIS: Giorgio Armani's fall 2008 collection, shown earlier this year in Milan, featured models swathed in bohemian lace and embroidered shawls that trickled over fringed and floral ankle-skimming skirts. Four months later, Frida Giannini unveiled Gucci's spring 2009 cruise collection in Rome, with billowing sleeves and chiffon skirts that floated around the models as if they were Gypsies constantly in mid-twirl.
Fashion's ongoing fascination with the Gypsy style of dress is intriguing because the ethnic minority, which prefers to be known as Roma, has been scorned and at the center of several large-scale persecutions in Europe, especially during the 20th century.
Italy, in particular, has been at the center of a recent controversy over legislation that authorizes the fingerprinting of Gypsies within its borders, whether they are Italian citizens or not. In July, the European Parliament urged the government to reconsider, saying the legislation was racial discrimination.
Why is Western fashion so enthused about Gypsy style? "Perhaps because Gypsies have been able to escape from the lives that we have," said the Dior designer John Galliano, who often references Gypsies in his work. "The Gypsy life is one of moving from one place to the next, finding what you need, putting together a look, fashion is not important to them, and somehow that makes it work - to them it is function over frivolity."
Yet, as designers voice their enthusiasm for Gypsy motifs, they also say there is probably little relationship between that and the problems the minority group faces in modern Europe.
(MORE)
Labels: Gypsy, Gypsy Fashion
posted by Allie @ 8:48 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home