Arab faces are omnipresent these days, but they're typically featured more on the news than on runways. Several high-profile designers chose to change the bias for their Spring 2010 menswear collections with a bit of Arab style.
It's easy to sense the trace of the Ottoman Empire at John Galliano's Spring 2010 menswear show, though its theme--Napoleon's rise to power--sounds far more French. From the models' dark skin to the loose layers, sand-colored shirts, dark brown belts, and red headscarves, all signs show a clear link to the desert, camels and tribes scattered throughout the Middle East centuries ago.
Issey Miyake’s Spring 2010 collection is similarly exotic. Designer Dai Fujiwara was inspired by a trip to Turkey, so it's no surprise to see gorgeous Turkish blue, unique pointy shoes and the Ottoman patterns in the line.
Ottoman Empire Runways
Spring 2010 Menswear Features Arab Inspiration
Trend Themes
1. Arab-inspired Menswear - The use of Arab-inspired fashion in menswear presents an opportunity for designers to incorporate traditional elements into modern clothing.
2. Ottoman Textiles and Patterns - Incorporating Ottoman textiles and patterns into fashion collections is a way to blend historical and cultural influences with contemporary styles.
3. Cultural Representation in Fashion - The increasing use of cultural elements in fashion collections suggests a trend towards diverse representation and the celebration of different cultures.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - Fashion designers and retailers can take advantage of the trend towards cultural representation by incorporating new and diverse styles into their collections.
2. Textile Manufacturing - The use of Ottoman patterns and textiles in fashion collections presents an opportunity for textile manufacturers to create fabrics and prints that are inspired by historical designs.
3. Tourism - The incorporation of cultural elements in fashion and other industries can drive tourism by promoting interest in different cultures and their histories.