Get inspiring ideas about how to combine cultural fusion fashion with your modern wedding attire and remain stylish.
Cultural fusion wear, or fusion fashion, is now a grounded concept in many modern weddings attires for men and women. Cultural fusion wear probably took roots as far back as the time when different races began to migrate across the globe. People naturally take pride in their cultural heritage, and they carry strong elements of it along with them everywhere they go. The cross-cultural mingling and fertilization began to manifest in fashion styles, including wedding attires.
Cultural fusion wear is a cohesive combination of fashion elements from two or more cultures. It often becomes evident when the new couple come from different cultural backgrounds, or are modern folks who strongly identify with their roots. There is a conscious effort to celebrate love and mutual co-existence of their different cultural heritages. It unveils in the display of vibrant colours, patterns, embroidery, silhouettes, native fabrics, statement fashion pieces, and symbolism infused into modern fashion. They tell meaningful stories of age-old ancestry and family traditions that refuse to die in the contemporary world, all brought together in cheerful harmony.
Let’s unravel key tips to bring cultural fusion wear alive in modern weddings attires for men - which can include both the groom’s and groomsmen’s wears. Perhaps you plan to light up your special day with a celebration of modernity without ignoring your traditional values. Then consider donning a glamorous cultural fusion wear in sync with that of your bride. Not only will it bring out your personal style in a creative way, it will also make your day truly memorable. As you scour through your wedding pictures in the future, you cannot but embrace feelings of nostalgia and a special joy seeing such beautiful instances of a cultural melting pot on display.
At Twelve19Styles, we take pride in decking our clients in premium men’s formal and wedding suits, as well as complete African outfits and cultural fusion wears. They are stunning to say the least. Please visit our store to sample the best picks that will match any occasion and you will return satisfied.
Examples of Cultural Fusion Wear in Contemporary Fashion
From Asia to Africa, South America, Europe, Australia, and many island nations. Cultural fusion wear continues to lace its way through the evolving human society as technology, travel, and migration keep bringing people closer. More so because several traditional fabrics, motifs, designs, colour choices, style cuts, embroidery, jewelry, hairstyles, and even tattoos spark deep curiosity and command attention. They are style inspirations that cannot be overlooked. It is an awe–inspiring variety of both the simple and complex.
Typical examples of modern fusion fashion for men include:
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Chinese Tangzhuang or Tang suit - Characterized by a high neck collar and decorative frog buttons, it is a fitted men's suit with modern cuts and embroidery.
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African men's styles - complete suit, jacket, trousers, dress shirt, and/or waistcoat. Made from native fabrics like Kente, Aso oke, Ankara, Adire (Tie & Dye), Batik, Kitenge, Akwete, Bogolan/Mudcloth, Shweshwe, Ukara-Ekpe, and a couple of others. They can be worn with native embroidered caps, beads, or sandals/slippers. To add a modern touch, they often go with Western hats, decorated walking sticks, pocket squares, and Western-style shoes.
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Indo-western Shewarni & Achkan - Shewarni is a long and flared top, with long sleeves and a high neck collar. Achkan is a slightly shorter and more fitted version of the Sherwani. Crafted from fabrics like velvet, brocade, or jamawar, they are commonly worn by Indian and Pakistan men atop Western-style trousers.
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Bandhgala or Jodhpuri jacket - a short upper-class Indian men's jacket with a closed high-neck collar and a well-defined silhouette. Often paired with Western-style pants and shirts.
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Kurta - A loose-fitting collarless shirt with long sleeves; worn by both sexes across India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. It can be worn on fitted pants; and/or inside a Sherwarni, Achkan, or Bandhgala.
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Scottish Kilt skirts with tartan patterns for men. It can be worn with a modern tuxedo or jacket.
Suggested Reading: Cultural Legacy
The Spread of Cultural Fusion Wear Across the Globe
In the meantime, notable global fashion brands have transformed modern fashion by drawing inspiration from several cultures.
Indian embroidery, tie-dye, and metallic threads are now evident in certain global ready-to-wear designer pieces. And one can see the clean, simple and asymmetric elements of Japanese fashion in the designs of Yohji Yamamoto and Issey Miyake. International brands like Gucci and Dior now incorporate Korean and Chinese fashion elements like silk embroidery and hambok design into some of their stunning pieces.
Not forgetting international designers the likes of Anna Sui, Sindiso Khumalo, Prabal Gurung, Guo Pei, Kim Jones, and scores of others. They are among the glamorous bunch leading the wave of cultural fusion wear as it continues to spread from continent to continent.
Fusion fashion is a common feature in South Korea and Japan streetwear. Their native designers often combine Western clothing like denim, sneakers, and T-shirts with traditional Asian outfits. While many Asian and African fashion designers insist on uniting traditional and Western design elements to produce statement clothing that can be worn anywhere with pride. The result is a harmonious blend of exotic and modern aesthetics that often transcend borders.
How to Feature Cultural Fusion Wear in Your Wedding Attire
Before you implement fusion fashion ideas in your wedding attire, it is best to investigate the meanings and symbolism behind the colours, patterns, fabrics, and accessories in each tradition. It helps you to pass the right message and achieve true cultural harmony in the end.
You have two main choices. You can switch between full cultural garb and Western wedding suit at different points in your wedding ceremony. Or you can combine Western and native design elements in one hybrid attire with the help of a skilled stylist.
Aside this, other key tips that can bring out the glamour in your cultural fusion wear are stated below:
Coordinate Fabrics and Colours
A visual harmony of colours and patterns on the background fabric(s) is something you should opt for. Pick a set of colours from the uniting cultures, and distribute them between the colour(s) of the fabric (which should be a solid colour) and the native patterns on the foreground. You can put an agreeable mix of different textured fabrics to work: velvet, silk, lace, and more. Balance is key.
Use High Quality Fabrics and Cuts
Ensure you use premium quality fabrics. And employ an ingenious stylist to transform the lot into an outstanding wedding wear. Better still, you can bring expert designers from both cultures together to suggest and unify ideas, along with your own style choices. That should ultimately help you create your dream wedding wear.
Symbolic Accessories Can Add Meaning and Depth to Your Look
A few traditional accessories here and there can have meaningful impact on your wedding attire, giving you that look and feel of true cultural connection. For instance, an embroidered cap; a carved swagger stick; shoes or sandals (or slippers) with native designs or embroidery; cultural or family beads and/or jewelry are significant reminders of your cultural heritage.
Incorporate Other Meaningful Cultural Elements Into Your Wedding Plan
Aside from your wedding outfit, there are other culture-inspired items you might bring in to add cultural depth and homeliness to both your appearance and the event. Consider making use of:
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Traditional household items like pots, vases, calabashes, horns, jewels, beads, native art and craft pieces, and even traditional music instruments;
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Flowers, plants, fruits, and/or food items with special meanings in both cultures, but they agree with the purpose and tone of the wedding;
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Native fragrances;
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Traditional hair styles and hair accessories;
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Culture-inspired tattoos and makeup on the face, hands, and feet - like henna patterns. Along with native hair styles and hair accessories, these will be more useful for the bride.
Consult With Family Members and Elders
Create moments of dialogue with your family members and trusted elders to help you choose the best cultural elements that will grace your wedding. Your parents, grandparents, and other older folks in both families should have a wealth of experience and an eye for details beyond what you know. So tap into that experience. That move can help to cement the bonds and create mutual understanding between both families.
The Venue and Climatic Conditions Will Matter
Aside from unexpected changes, it is wise to plan for your comfort. Choose fabrics based on the prevailing climatic conditions around the date of your wedding. They should keep you comfortable throughout the wedding event.
Again, there may be a need to swap your wedding attire in-between special moments of the day, or as you switch between indoor and outdoor activities. So plan for a change of clothing that will allow you to enjoy the full benefit of your cultural fusion wear.
Final Thoughts: Own Your Special Day With Delectable Cultural Fusion Wear
Fusion fashion, or cultural fusion wear can bring a refreshing and innovative twist to your wedding wear. It will facilitate the union of conventional fashion trends and traditional fashion elements to create a memorable wedding wear for you and your groomsmen.
In parting, consider choosing quality fabrics, colours and patterns from both cultures that can work in harmony. Go a step further to bring in cultural items and accessories that will elevate your wedding ensemble and establish the cultural connection you long for. And with due respect to the prevailing weather conditions, choose fabrics that will make you and your bridal train comfortable.
Thank you for accompanying us in this beautiful journey of cultural appreciation. We would appreciate it if you could share your thoughts with us by dropping your comments below. We value your contributions in a big way.
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