>> I've always been in two minds about the use of "ethnic" costume in fashion. I'm all for being inspired by the world but where does 'ethnic' costume literal re-hashing start and end. Or even worse, countries, ethnic groups and cultures that form the inspiration end up becoming lumped into one and become one mass genre where a piece of clothing with something a bit unfamiliar looking about it ends up being coined as 'ethnic-looking' (*major eye wincing here...*)
In Paris, I discovered the work of Marani and surprisingly I was very taken with what he had done with his collection, a mainline re-launch (I gather Marani is a casual knitwear brand...). He's pretty specific about where his ideas come from. Actually, it is just the one idea... from Pieter Hugo's photography undertaken in Nigeria, specifically the series "The Hyena and Other Men", Alberto Marani took the dusty tasselled skirts of the hyena tamers and transferred them to a contemporary setting where I could well imagine an ornate layered tasselled skirt worn with a casual silk t-shirt. It's the very specific and singular motif and the way Marani has refined an item of attire that has this very raw kind of beauty that makes complete sense to me.
The skirt does look beautiful, but the beast in the top photos scares me quite a bit!! Hello Halloween, but wait it's real!!!
Posted by: BobbinTalk | 30 October 2009 at 14:44
really beautiful. i like his aesthetic a lot.
Posted by: amanda | 30 October 2009 at 15:21
omg what kind of animal is this. it looks so scary and dangerous...
these skirts are freaking amazing!
Posted by: MELINA | 30 October 2009 at 15:47
Those are very unique and amazing looking! They are different enough that I don't think they would get pegged as ethnic. I love the idea of pair one with a simple yet chic top so the skirt remains the focus of attention. Great photos too!
Posted by: aoi neko | 30 October 2009 at 15:50
Ethnic or not we LOVE it!
http://just4funnews.blogspot.com/
Posted by: just4fun | 30 October 2009 at 16:04
Aw It's beautiful...
Posted by: Marta | 30 October 2009 at 16:04
You know it was your first paragraph that pulled me into this topic. I couldn't agree more. And I wish more designers were as specific as Harani. Again you give food for thought, which is the toppers in my book.
Posted by: ms. shoo | 30 October 2009 at 17:04
those hyena pictures are gorgeous and haunting.
i had to go through his entire site.
knowing the context, that is a really cool skirt. otherwise it just seems like a tassel overdose. but maybe that's just me...
Posted by: Dani | 30 October 2009 at 17:13
I love those skirts so much! And I tend to agree with your thoughts on ethnic dress in fashion. It becomes a little non-specific.
Posted by: daphne | 30 October 2009 at 17:14
Wait just a second, "hyena tamers"? What the heck? Yikes!
Re: ethnic clothing, I don't mind a little lose interpretation &/or assimilation. I'm a mutt, myself! (Not to be confused with a hyena). ;)
Posted by: Nickie Frye | 30 October 2009 at 18:31
Amazing:)!!
http://thestylestrutter.blogspot.com
xxx
Posted by: The Style Strutter | 30 October 2009 at 19:07
i really love the tassels!
Posted by: Jennine | 30 October 2009 at 20:53
I'd love to wear such a skirt and I'd probably be jumping, twisting and dancing all day long, because the tassels will be moving along!
xoxoxoxox http://romylicious.blogspot.com
Posted by: romy | 30 October 2009 at 21:04
I am entranced by the idea of wearing tassels! Previously i had only associated them as elegant, curtain-tie add-ons, but i love the idea of using them on a skirt!
May be using this in the future for inspiration.
By the way suzie, i've been reading your blog-and loving every second of it!- for almost a year yet, but this is my first comment, awful i know, but just letting you know i think you rock!
Posted by: Jackie | 30 October 2009 at 22:38
Well said! They are indeed beautiful.
Posted by: KD | 30 October 2009 at 22:38
"Or even worse, countries, ethnic groups and cultures that form the inspiration end up becoming lumped into one and become one mass genre where a piece of clothing with something a bit unfamiliar looking about it ends up being coined as 'ethnic-looking' (*major eye wincing here...*)"
Well said! I've always felt this way because different countries have different cultures, style etc! Marani is specific about Nigeria... that makes sense.
Good work on this insightful piece about fashion and also culture! =)
Posted by: Spider Monkey Blunderguff | 30 October 2009 at 22:45
pieter hugo`s series is fantastic: http://blicablica.blogspot.com/2009/10/die-kette-gelegt.html
Posted by: blica | 30 October 2009 at 23:20
These skirts are beautiful pieces of wearable art. They initially seem a bit much, but in the photos worn with simple t's and tanks, they look fabulous!
Posted by: Shelley | 30 October 2009 at 23:35
Your blog is one of the most interesting sites that I´ve ever visited!It inspires and absorbs me.
For me is a pleasure to read it every day, congratulations from Spain!!!
My blog: http://thecocoabutter.blogspot.com
Posted by: The Cocoa Butter | 31 October 2009 at 00:53
The tassels are cute.
Posted by: boots | 31 October 2009 at 01:00
ahh i hate the word "ethnic" but the sad part is that there's no other synonym for it. these genres really have been grouped into a mass scale one where some get forgotten or stereotyped as the popular one. your blog is very thought provoking, i love it!
http://vianacoke.blogspot.com
Posted by: Colleen | 31 October 2009 at 05:12
i was just about to say, what the heck is that animal???!!! a hyena. i'm glad that's sorted out.
Posted by: fashion tidbits | 31 October 2009 at 07:52
hm.. pieter hugo's photography is not really my thing - jim johnson wrote a pretty precise criticism on exactly the question wether this is still "documentary" or already a staged ethnic circus
also i think those skirts are rather copied, than just inspired.
Posted by: mary | 31 October 2009 at 12:51
forgot the link to jim johnson's posting: http://politicstheoryphotography.blogspot.com/2008/07/africa-as-freak-show-pieter-hugo.html
Posted by: mary | 31 October 2009 at 12:51
Where the hells is that guy with the hyena!!!!
Posted by: Gareth | 31 October 2009 at 15:13
"What is that animal!"
Idiots, that's a man. A black man. Don't you have them in your part of the world.
Posted by: Max Kretuzer | 31 December 2009 at 16:08