Get To Know Your Wardrobe!
Courtesy of Valeria Torres
Written By: Valeria Torres
In Honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, here are 7 fashion trends and items that stem from Hispanic Culture,
Clothing:
Gaucho Pants: Gaucho pants are wide-legged pants that used to be worn by the South American cowboys from Argentina. Yves Saint Laurent, a French designer, was the first to popularize this masculine look for women’s wear. These pants made their way to The United States during the 1970s, when Anne Klein, an American designer, placed gauchos in a New York Time Magazine issue.
Camp Shirt: Originated in Cuba and is occasionally known as the Cuban shirt. This style of T-shirt has become a summer essential due to its lightweight fabric. In Cuba, this camp shirt is called Guayabera, and its popularity continues to grow.
Boleros: This style jacket originates from Spain, taking its inspiration from a Spanish dance influenced by bullfighting. This style jacket is known for being a short jacket with an open front. This jacket gained popularity during the 1950s when designer Cristobal Balenciaga created a collection inspired by the Spanish Romanticism era.
Ponchos: The origin of Ponchos is unclear. However, it traces back to Latin American civilizations near the Andes Mountains. The Poncho's original intent was to keep people warm and shield them from extreme weather conditions, but it has recently become a fashion accessory.
Panama Hats: The Panama Hats, also known as Paja Toquilla, arise from the coastal regions of Ecuador. These hats have gained traction due to their appearances in films and television shows, and series. Panama Hats are primarily used for sun protection, serve as an elegant and stylish accessory. These hats are commonly flat-brimmed and short, with a ribbon, and traditionally made of straw.
Saddle Bags: Saddle Bags, or Carriel Bags, stem from Colombia. Originally these saddlebags were small leather satchels used by coffee farmers working in the mountains to carry their belongings. This style of saddlebags serves as a timeless piece and has paved the way for Valentino and Dior to redesign these saddlebags.
Cowboy Boots: Before the cowboys, there were the Spanish vaqueros. These Vaqueros wore the riding boots that would evolve into the cowboy boots we see today. When they migrated to Mexico and Texas, they spread a lot of their traditions, including fashion. These boots have now adopted vibrant colors and unique patterns for the casual user, which has resulted in a rise in popularity.
Fashion is constantly deriving inspiration from Hispanic cultures. Every year, from September 15 to October 15, Hispanic Heritage Month honors and celebrates the significant contributions, vast cultures, and long histories of the American Latinx community. It is necessary to recognize the contributions and impact that marginalized communities have created in the fashion industry to allow for a more inclusive, inventive, and knowledgeable environment. The appreciation of other cultures and the discussion of distinct perspectives enable creativity to flourish.