subject: A Sneak Peak On Cultural Ensembles And Alternative Wear [print this page] Clothes are one of the basic necessities of every person. One of the most important uses of these is mainly to cover body parts and protect them from harsh weather and substances that could damage the skin. Another fact is that clothes are also used to define the moods, personalities, tastes, needs and the wants of most individuals that bring forth a sense of uniqueness and personal satisfaction.
There is no definite date as to when our ancestors discovered the significance and trend of wearing clothes. According to anthropologists, the evolution of what we commonly refer to as articles of clothing / accouterment or garments took place centuries ago when the early people learned how to use animal skins, fur, leaves and grass to cover themselves with. These were usually worn draped or tied around their bodies with the aid of small bones and other small particles to keep them tightly secure.
The way people dress is very much influenced by civilization. It is tremendously dependent and relevant on the influences of certain colonies that have invaded specific countries. (Examples are the Spanish regime, Japanese invasion, and American intervention among others) We can furthermore deliberate that societal norms have a lot to do with how one carries his/herself. Print ads, magazines, internet, fashion shows and the media in general contribute to the dramatic evolution of our modern-day apparel.
Culture clothes are also a by-product of cultural diversity. It is an application of the legacy and traditional practices of a nation. However, as modernization progresses, the use of such clothes is becoming less and less popular. Could you imagine someone wearing a kimono at a local pub? Or maybe an ancient Egyptian ensemble complete with accessories and striking makeup while grocery shopping?
Thanks to fashion designers and fresh ideas, cultural concepts are being imbibed in modern-day apparel. We can see these on shirt prints, modified pants, shoes, head pieces and other accessories. Sadly, due to its popularization and marketability, people subconsciously tend to eliminate the value of how these items came to be. If its trendy and in-fashion, then it becomes a total must-have. A good example of this would be the rasta hat". You simply dont have to be a Jamaican to wear this. Who cares about the political beliefs and traditions that surround it anyway?
On the other hand, alternative wear are clothes that are considered as norm breakers". The emergence of Punk, Gothic, Rock and Emo specifically fall under this category. The youth mainly patronizes these products that help them achieve a desired look depending on the music they listen to or compose. (The above-mentioned categories are music-geared.)
Regardless of sex, race, nationality and age culture and alternative wear indeed help us create our own personal statement.
