How to work the Folk Trend like a Pro
Folk is a perpetual inspiration for fashion designers and fashionistas everywhere for a few good reasons: its inspiration is never ending, coming in all shapes, motifs and forms. It also has such a history and authenticity to it in todays fast fashion world.
With hundreds of years of making and wearing clothing shaped different shapes and patterns in each region of the globe, showing the people’s specific history, beliefs and values, or even climate. And it goes with out saying it’s a trend that is so, so pretty!
Matthew Williamson described his designs as futuristic folk. I like that concept, preserving old and reinventing it for the new. Source of image
Folk is everywhere in the fashion world. From big fashion names like Tom Ford and Carolina Herrera who have both done their own interpretations of the folk blouse, to Dolce & Gabbana with an entire collection inspired by Sicilian folk clothes. Isabel Marant, takes on Mexican folk, creating folk tops worn by celebrities like Mara Hoffman. Matthew Williamson creates what he calls “futuristic folk” whilst Mary Katrantzou has patterned prints that remind us of sunny Greece – they all turn to find inspiration in shapes, styles, colourful patterns and motifs.
Selma Blair’s summery look in a folk inspired blouse next to the authentic handmade blouse. Which one would you wear?
The high street is full of folk as well, from names like Monsoon, Zara, Mango or River Island all doing lovely patterns, relaxed clothing with a bit of folk in them. You can recognize it by the colourful geometrical or floral patterns printed on skirts, the pretty embroidered blouses with the relaxed, summery look.
Miranda Kerr wears a Mango version of the hand embroidered blouse. Folk must be the next couture. Source of image
My favourite folk look this year. Kate Bosworth in an Eastern European inspired lamb skin vest from Topshop. Source of image
Try the the folk trend and keep it in your wardrobe as it’s one of those sure bets trends that won’t go away very soon.
How to style the trend
Ina Pabat-Stroe, the owner of online folk boutique Folklorique, has created her own guide on making your own folk trend style outfits and get out of the crowd at the same time. All that without paying for the labels.
I would aim for three major folk pieces that you can mix and match with your regular clothes for a great effect: a skirt/apron, a top and a scarf. I wouldn’t recommend you wear them together, but it might be worth experimenting, depending on their specific styles. Also, of course it is up to you and your tastes, but some items are worth buying in their authentic versions; it’s just something really special wearing some fair trade item hand crafted in the traditional way – while also being ever so stylish.
My outfit: Camper shoes (my own), 50 years old vintage folk skirt (my own, red woolen skirt with golden hand embroidered pattern from my grandmother, tied up with a satin ribbon – you can find something similar onebay), digital printed cotton t-shirt from folklorique, handmade leather bag with the 8 pointed star motif from folklorique. Oh, and some old H&M sunglasses.
To put your folk inspired looks together
1. Start by raiding your mum/grandmother’s aunt’s wardrobe – you might find some chic embroidery, some old piece of clothing, anything with a bit of folk on it can be re-used and repurposed with the flavour of vintage and sentimental value. Even a scrap of lace or embroidery can be used to accessorise a white t-shirt.
2. Go on Ebay or Etsy to find folk clothing – people sell beautiful vintage and new clothes and depending on your budget you can go for cashmere or cotton flowery Russian scarves, an old cotton or wool skirt, a hand embroidered authentic folk blouse in cotton or silk, or just anything that inspires you really and can potentially work with what you’ve already got.
3. Find online shops and blogs specialising in traditional and modern crafts from specific regions – like my own (wink!) for inspiration and great unique items to complete your look.
All the items in my shop are handpicked from small workshops across Europe to offer you a selection of the highest quality traditional and modern crafts. All items have a story to tell and the artists making them are incredibly talented and work with the best materials to produce exclusive items. It’s what I like to call affordable luxury.
Go have a look now, summer sale is on, with the handmade bags that were £250 that are now £169!
So there it is, I hope I inspired you in taking a fresh approach to your wardrobe, get on top of the folk trend like a pro and also give you new ideas of style.
X
Ina
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