The Traditional Asian Fashion Movement

Making traditional modern.

I have many reasons as to why I started making my own Hmong clothes. One of the reasons was that I noticed a wave in what I'm calling "The Traditional Asian Fashion Movement". I first noticed this trend in Korean Hanboks and Chinese Hanfu.

Pictured below you can see a more traditionally styled Hanbok and a more modern style.

[Left photo by Wani Yoo | Right photo from thekoreaninme.com]

Pictured below you can see a more traditionally-styled Hanfu and a modern style. (This is just one of many variations of Hanfu depending on ethnic tribe/era/region.)

(Left: traditional style | Right: Modern style)

Nowadays, what is considered 'traditional' can be controversial. True historians, in which I am not, will say that these 'traditional' looks are modern interpretations. The prints, material and techniques have all evolved and so we may not always know what a true interpretation may actually look like. This is why I'm calling these looks a 'traditional style'.

That being said, the modern styles are a welcome change because they take the 'traditional style' and make them modern. These looks have been simplified by taking away the multi-layers, swapping in pants and/or shortening the hems on the skirt and sleeves. Some have even taken on modern prints and colors (as pictured to the right.) By keeping the rough silhouette of the traditional style, the modern prints and colors get to shine.

Keeping in mind that I live in Chicago 2020, Hmong clothes (albeit Hmong people) are hard to come by. Hmong clothes carry a similar silhouette as hanfu and hanbok: high waisted skirt and wrap top. What really differentiates Hmong clothes are the prints/trim, the accordion pleated skirt and accessories like our iconic hats, xauv (silver necklace), money belts and sev (apron).

Pictured to the left is a traditionally styled Hmong outfit from Hnub & Hli (you can also find them on IG at HnubHli.HmongClothes). Hmong clothes are extremely diverse in region/cities/ tribe. This is but one of many fusion styles. For a more in depth history of Hmong clothes you can go to HmongEmbroidery.org

In my bias opinion, Hmong fashion is much more diverse in modern styles, because of the prints and accessories we can use. The silhouettes can be easily changed out and the style is still recognizable as Hmong fashion.

(Left Photo: Hnub & Hli | Right Photo: Hmong Seams)

And while I'm LIVING for this Traditional Asian Fashion Movement, I am aware that this trend exists in many other cultures as well. I think it's a wonderful celebration that's necessary to move forward in fashion, but also remember where we came from. Comment below if there is a modern traditional movement in your culture.