Where are the ethnic fashion designs?

Good morning everyone! Recently, I have been asked the following question : Where are the ethnic fashion designs? We are waiting to see them! Actually, I’ve been working on them for more than a year now! My biggest problem was to decide which ethnic design I would started with. There were way too many to choose from: Afghanistan, Morocco, Senegal, India, China, Kenya, Russia…and the list goes on and on and on! Good lord, since I have textiles books from each of these countries, I simply couldn’t decided myself…I love them all! Many of these countries have a rich textile history, tradition and techniques that set each them apart. Many of these textiles have a strong ritualistic and ceremonial signification, such as festivals and weddings, but also, they are a self expression for statue and identity. Also, most of these gorgeous ethnic designs are created in laborious handmade techniques and craftsmanship that today’s industrial society have lost, which I find so sad!

Of course, some of you may say that many Parisian powerful houses are still maintaining these rigorous techniques, where most of them are executed by hand with the highest standards of la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture. In fact, all Haute Couture’s outfits are meticulously constructed by hand from start to finish, made from expensive and often unusual fabrics. They are sown with extreme attention to detail and finished by the most experienced and gifted sewers.

Needless to say, in my opinion, nothing comes close to traditional ethnic designs and textiles, because they do not followed any trends like modern fashion does. Anyway, after deep reflection, I finally came up with a decision, I will go on with North American Native designs, from the United States, Mexico, Guatemala and of course from Canada! For me, there are no better way to start with something that I know. Also, it is a good approach to show some respect, on my part, to First Nations and to celebrate are beautiful land!

All the following sketches are not final and are just a quick mix of cosmopolitan ideas inspired from Native Indian design. Thanks for watching!

Marie Georghy Jacob