Every year we see shifts in wardrobe trends. There’s always new “hot” colors, patterns, styles, fits, and accessories that flood our closets and influence our photography portfolios. My mom always told me that fashion is cyclical and the older I become the more I realize that almost everything comes back into style at some point in time (yes, even the 80s… *cringe*).

This season I spotted a trend that really left a big impression on me: cultural wardrobe. Several of my high school seniors incorporated traditional pieces that were either passed down from family members or custom made to represent their true origins. Honestly, I don’t think there’s anything more “cool” than proudly flaunting your roots!

I hope to see this trend continue for years to come. I think it’s an important shift that the high school senior genre could really use in this era of unity, change, and understanding.

Lexxis: Vietnam

This gorgeous red gown, known as an Áo dài, is a traditional Vietnamese dress that can be worn by both men and women. This particular dress that Lexxis is wearing was passed down to her from her grandmother and was also worn by her mom. The embroidering is stunning and I loved how the slits helped capture the movement of the dress!

Huda: Somalia

The Dirac is typically worn when attending a wedding. Although this specific one wasn’t passed down, Huda’s family has an entire three tier chest dedicated to them, some of which date back to the 80s. I absolutely loved the way her Dirac sparkled in the sunlight-Huda looked so beautiful!

Heden: Eritrea (Saho Tribe)

Eritrea is located north of Ethiopia on the northeast corner of Africa. Heden is wearing a stunning Kani culture dress, tailored just for her. This dress is traditionally worn to special occasions, like weddings. Her headpiece, known as a shilalet, was historically worn by a bride, but nowadays can be worn by anyone. I completely swooned over this outfit and Heden looked amazing in it! I also told her she should rock that headpiece every day. 😉

Echo: China

By far one of the most fun to photograph, Echo is flaunting this beautiful outfit worn for Chinese water sleeve dances. The sleeve represents a flower blooming in the spring. My goal was to photograph this in a very dramatic way so that you could truly feel the movement and drama of the sleeve, which is about six feet long! Echo is so talented and totally crushed this look!

Mia: Laos

This Laotian look was passed down from Mia’s grandmother and great aunt. The skirt (Sinh) and sash (Pha Biang) complimented Mia SO well, it’s almost seems like it was made just for her! The George Latimer Library was the perfect backdrop against her colorful pieces.

Well there ya have it! I’m excited to hopefully photograph my way around the wold. 😉 If you were photographed in your own cultural outfit, what would it be? Comment below!

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