Christian Allaire, an Indigenous (Ojibwe) man grew up on the Nipissing First Nation reservation in northern Ontario. Being surrounded by a culture that he did not see reflected in any kind of media or pop culture made him feel different and affected his self-esteem. The Power of Style: How Fashion and Beauty Are Being Used to Reclaim Cultures offered him a chance to discuss how he was not alone and to show how things have changed in that cultures from around the world may be seen in magazines and on large and small screens.
The book’s six different sections begin with ‘Sewing Tradition’ in which Allaire explains a historic and culturally significant Indigenous craft. Ribbon work is the application of ribbons to garments in which the colour and placement are frequently significant to the wearer. Allaire’s explanation about getting his first ribbon shirt, along with how and why he chose the colours used on it, helps the reader to understand not only its importance to him but the tradition, itself. The section highlights several different artists, showing how the craft is being used in different ways, from being adapted by fashion forward artists, to displaying an artist that makes ceremonial pieces, all of whom help to keep and make it a dynamic and popular fashion trend.
The fashion and the beauty
Beautiful and super interesting. The top of fashion and shows lots of cultures.