In this fashion show, men and women are allowed to be expressive with their interpretation of art. Traditionally, Ethiopia is a modest and religious country. This is an approach that could be considered western. This changes the view the world has of Ethiopians. Traditionalists might have a negative view, while modernist might see the fashion as new and expressive. In my opinion, the new form of fashion is very vibrant and creative. What are your thoughts?
View some of the fits here!
https://www.hubfashionweekafrica.com/home-2
This is kind of similar to Iran's public stance on international outsourcing of Iranian film. Even though certain themes, genres, or wardrobe may not be acceptable within traditional Iran or the morality that the Regime enforces, they still allow Iranian filmmakers to include those components if it's for international consumption and not domestic viewing, which is similar to Ethiopia's interaction with the rest of the world regarding fashion. I think it's really interesting that in MENA countries, artistic expression like fashion or film is one of the few channels for deviations in acceptable expression. In both cases, the designers or filmmakers often pair "western" styles and ideas with something distinctly Iranian or distinctly Ethiopian, connecting to their culture even as they branch out.
ReplyDeleteI find the differences you made between modern fashion and traditional fashion very interesting and relatable to the country I am studying, Iraq. Music and fashion are both expressive forms of art used worldwide. As such, I am seeing a similar trend in art between Ethiopia and Iraq. It seems that they both have distinct styles that differ between modern and traditional, or what could be considered Eastern and Western styles. There are criticisms of each style from each side in both of our countries. This makes me wonder if it is like that throughout the MENA region.
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