Cultural Appreciation: Indian Sherwani Style
Welcome to the Old World New presents: “Cultural Appreciation, Not Appropriation” Series, Installment 3! (See Installment 1 here, 2 here)
Diversity is the spice of life. I love pulling influence from different cultures. The easy access to knowledge of different peoples’ heritages has helped shaped me to be who I am today. Therefore, I practice love, not hate. I practice cultural appreciation, not cultural appropriation. Learn about and have respect for the cultures that you seek to emulate – you’ll be happy that you opened your mind to “a whole new world” (I hope you sang that in your Jasmine & Aladdin voice, because I did!).
Cultural Influence: Indian Sherwani Style
I purchased this robe-like garment at a thrift store, and from my research I believe it to be a sleeveless, collarless, long Sherwani robe of Indian (Asia) origin. Traditionally, a Sherwani has sleeves and a high collar, but there are many variations on those two aspects, as well as the length. It is also a standard wear for men in their wedding ceremonies. Apparently Buzzfeed knows what’s up with their post tagged “Sherwanis 4 Life” where they give “definitive proof every dude looks dapper as f*** in a sherwani.” Women, too, when they wear them. If you’re with Buzzfeed and you’re reading this – feel free to link back to me to show a woman looking street chic as *bleep* in sherwani-esque garb. You’re welcome 🙂
So what does a traditional Sherwani look like? Let’s see it in traditional form and in a recent American interpretation from the hit show Empire.
via
Fox / via
When I think of Asiatic Indian clothing, I think colorful, plentiful in fabric and intricate deigns. Their clothing and details always make me happy. I love saris that women usually wear with a small portion of midriff revealed. To amp up the cultural knowledge, I’ll share some random facts I’ve learned and opinions I’ve formed about Indian culture from when I was a student that was heavily involved in cultural experiences on my college campus.
- Caribbean culture has heavy Indian influences, and the islands are real melting pots, as there is a high percentage of people with Indian heritage on several islands.
- Diwali is a festival of lights celebrated by the Hindu, Sikh and Jain religions. The major theme of this 5 day festival (with the 3rd day serving as the main holiday) is the driving away of darkness by light, and goodness triumphing over evil. Fireworks are always plentiful during the celebration. I had the opportunity to dance for a Diwali banquet with my Caribbean club some years ago, and it was one of my favorite routines to perform! The outfits were fun and festive, as well.
- Curry goat is amazing. If you ever have the chance to eat at an Indian restaurant, don’t be afraid to try the goat. It is my favorite!
My “Old World New” Sherwani Style Interpretation
I wore this sherwani in a kimono style that is popular in American fashion right now. I wore a simple white t-shirt tucked into denim shorts (thrifted Wrangler pants, cut and distressed) along with my Steve Madden cream toned snake skin shoes. With this outfit, the relatively simple Sherwani stole the show because of its length and intricate design lining the opening.
Are y’all loving this Cultural Style Appreciation series as much as I am? It is combining so many things I love – history, style, making old things new because most of the pieces are thrifted, and also because I’m showing you a new way you can style them. I feel blessed to be able to share it with y’all. Until the next installment, check out the previous (1 & 2) posts.
xoxo, dolls & dudes!
The Comments
#NationalThriftShopDay | Old World New
[…] Update: See how I recently styled this sherwani for the Cultural Appreciaion series here. […]
Adaleta Avdic
You’re stunning! Loving the inspiration & look xx
Addie
Adaleta AvdicThank you, Adaleta! I hope it inspires you to get creative with your thrift fashion, too!
My Pretty Brown
You look amazing! …and Indian cuisine is my absolute favorite!
Addie
My Pretty Browncurry goat is the ish! lol! Thank you, Artney! 🙂
allie
LOVE that top!! Great post.
xo
http://alliesfashionalley.com
Addie
allieThank you, Allie! 🙂
laci
Omg amazing !!! Love it all especially that top and something I would so buy. Laci @ Sequins in the South.
Addie
laciisn’t it great, Laci?! Thank you 🙂
Elle Spann
this piece is SO fun!! I love your empire reference. season 2 can’t come soon enough:) keep these cultural appreciate pieces coming!
elle
Southern Elle Style
Addie
Elle SpannLol, I’m so late in responding that the season premiere is actually tonight! Thank you, Lauren!
Briana Anderson
Love this!! Your posts are always so interesting! Thanks for sharing!
xx Bri
http://www.Neutral2Neon.com
Addie
Briana AndersonThank you, Bri 🙂
carrie
I absolutely love the cultural appreciation vs cultural appropriation comparison, what a great way to put it!!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Sherwani kimono…excellent find!!
What an interesting, beautiful post!
xo
Carrie
CS Gems
Addie
carrieThank you, Carrie! I love that people are trying to better understand cultures now!
Karen
Yes – totally appreciating all of this and the style! These posts are so cool to learn about new things and see some fabulous outfits!! Looking amazing!
xx, Karen
Glam Karen
Addie
KarenThank you so much, Karen! 🙂
Evi
You look amazing!! I love your take on Indian culture. This outfit is authentic, but innovative at the same time. That sherwani is gonna be super cute in the fall!
Addie
EviThank you so much, Evi! I hope to inspire others to do the same with their unique fashion finds. And I can’t wait to style it for the fall! 🙂
Maggie
Love!! I’m a sucker for anything indian (especially food). Such beautiful patterns!
Addie
MaggieThank you, Maggie! Their patterns and fabrics are great and the food is just amazing lol!
Tom Scott
Love the post, especially because you have re-used a traditional garment in such a modern manner. You can also try the same thing using a traditional kurta? like some of my picks here: http://fashionmetropolitan.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/wedding-sherwanis-kurtas-style-file-fashion-options.html
Addie
Tom ScottHey Tom, I like your picks! I’m going to look more in to Kurtas and if I see any while thrifting, I definitely won’t hesitate to buy it and put a modern style spin on it ☺️
Amanda
You look amazing! I love that tank top!
xx,
Amanda || http://www.fortheloveofglitter.com
Addie
AmandaThank you, Amanda! 🙂
Darcy
Love your take on it! i think it so fun to pull inspiration from different cultures.
http://www.amemoryofus.com
Addie
DarcyThanks, Darcy! 🙂
McKenna
Love this and learning a little history! Those shoes girl are awesome!!! xo
McKenna
stylewaltz.com
Addie
McKennaThank you, McKenna! 🙂
Samantha
That is absolutely STUNNING. And I love these posts… there’s so much cultural influence in fashion we don’t even realize!
Addie
SamanthaThanks so much, Samantha! I’m glad you are getting something from them 🙂
Julie
I love the Sherwani! The detailing on it is gorgeous. I love how it elevates a simple outfit.
Addie
JulieThank you, Julie 🙂
Taylor
I love this post! You always give us more than just fashion you give us meaning behind your posts! You look stunning and I’m dying over your heels!!
xo
http://www.styleiseverythingblog.com
Addie
TaylorThank you for checking these posts out, Taylor! You rock! 🙂
Brooke
Loving this cultural appreciation series and I adore your take on this style!
xo,
Brooke | KBStyled
Addie
BrookeThank you so much, Brooke! 🙂
Mary
This is such a fabulous series!! I love that long vest! Its PERFECTION!!
Sportsanista
Addie
MaryThank you, Mary!!! 🙂
Jenn
I love this post and this series! Not only do you incorporate other cultures in your outfit, but you share more about them too! This look came together so well. It’s simple but stands out at the same time. Thanks for sharing!
Addie
JennThank you, Jenn! I was hoping to share how simple it is to incorporate great cultural pieces!! 🙂
Jess
Love this outfit and post concept! The embroidery on the Sherwani is beautiful x
Jess | It’s That Time For
Addie
JessThank you, Jess! 🙂
Candace shiflet
How cool to learn more about different cultures that I didn’t know much about before! And you are gorgeous girl!!
xo, Candace | Lovely Little Rants
Addie
Candace shifletThank you, Candace, girl! 🙂
Valery Brennan
1. YES I am loving this series so much! Never stop!!!!
2. I LOVE how you styled this. From head to toe, it’s a perfect look that’s super chic but doesn’t detract from your statement piece. Also those shorts fit you perfectly – I need to get on your thrifting level!
Addie
Valery BrennanThank you so much, Val!! 😀 we gotta go thrifting, girl 🙂
Aishi
How to buy??
Cultural Appreciation: Modern African Fashion by Alero Jasmine | Old World New
[…] Welcome to the Old World New presents: “Cultural Appreciation, Not Appropriation” Series, Installment 4! (See Installment 1 here, 2 here, 3 here) […]
National Thrift Shop Day — Old World New
[…] Update: See how I recently styled this sherwani for the Cultural Appreciaion series here. […]