Monday, April 13, 2009

LOOK EAST, YOUNG WOMAN!


Eastern spirituality is affecting women’s fashion
There’s a spiritual awakening taking place in America today. Enrollment in yoga and Tai Chi classes is up, and the influence of Eastern spirituality is trickling down to women’s fashion choices which are marked by unfettered, clean lines and fluid silhouettes. Comfort is paramount, reflecting the healthy endorsement of comfortable clothing in the Cotton Incorporated Lifestyle MonitorTM findings: Two out of three respondents insist that they are not willing to sacrifice comfort for fashion.
But the search for comfortable clothing does not necessarily eliminate what’s stylish, as is clear from the growing number of well-known designers creating clothing inspired by spiritual pursuits and traditions. Donna Karan was among the first to tap what The New York Times called the "introspection trend", and others are taking a similar approach. Carla Sozzani, for instance, has just introduced a new collection, O Zen, that offers "a combination of flowing cuts married to precise tailoring," according to a recent article in The New York Times. "O Zen derives from a provocative but budding trend in fashion linking clothes to spiritualism."
"What happens in the world is reflected on the canvas of fashion," commented Harriette Cole, creative director for Profundities, a style and fashion production company. "People are turning within seeking a new level of inner peace, and it’s beginning to show up in their choice of clothing that’s fluid, comfortable on the body, even monastic.
"There’s a real movement toward getting close to the earth with natural foods, beauty products, and fabrics," she continues. "Women are wearing more cotton clothing because it’s affordable, easy to maintain, and close to nature." The Monitor supports Cole’s view: Over 80 percent of respondents said they were willing to pay more for natural fibers which is up 2.2 percent from last year.
Jane Suttell, designer to the stars, has been successful in adding a spiritual component to her collection. Candles created a dimly lit monastic setting at her recent fashion show, and soft spiritual music serenaded models draped in soft flowing dresses. Suttell gets much of her inspiration from Eastern cultures. "My designs are about raising a woman’s consciousness with versatility and elegance. It’s more about feeling good about yourself, and not having to conform, it’s about easy shapes that can be worn anywhere, even if you gain or lose five pounds, " said Suttell. Her newest collection, called Zen 2000, is a lower priced version of the designer collection.
Randolph Duke, designer and creative director at Halston, remarked. "My next collection explores the metaphysical and other dimensions. I was inspired spiritually by auras and chakras, as well as energy flow and meditation," said Duke. "In order to display this sensitivity I used beads, ombré coloring, ethereal fabrics, and angelic symbols to express feelings."
How does these designers’ ethereal inspirations relate to real women’s dressing needs? Women who take part in yoga and meditation retreats fall in love with the simplicity, modesty and comfort of clothing worn in the classes — caftans, punjabis (two-piece outfits consisting of pants and long ankle length shirt), oversized cotton tunics and leggings — and then they seek to simplify and tone down their wardrobes in general. Deborah Clapp, for example, recently traded in her elaborate Wall Street wardrobe to fit the needs of her new career as yoga and mediation teacher. "When I shop now, I look for a spiritual elegance in my clothing such as long flowing dresses, loose chiffon blouses, oversized cotton tops and leggings."
Years ago women like Deborah wore one outfit for yoga and meditation, another to pick the kids up from school, and still another to go out for dinner. But today women are seeking clothing that serves multiple purposes. More than 64 percent of Monitor respondents said they would like to wear one comfortable outfit all day long rather than change clothes to fit different occasions. That’s where something like Josie Natori’s long tunic and pull-on pants fits in: sales are up for this simple outfit that is inspired by cheong sam, a traditional Chinese ceremonial dress.
The Eastern influence may soon pervade men’s fashion choices — Gold’s Gym, the hunk haven for macho men, is offering yoga classes this fall. Stay tuned!