Floral Pleasantries

A little while ago I wrote a story on the history of boho, or bohemian style. It’s not a look I naturally gravitate to and I actually found it challenging to style an outfit, so much so that I had to make two attempts! The modern interpretation involves a mish-mash of hippy garments or motifs of various ethnic groups, but most notably a fanciful take on the Eastern European gypsy of folklore.

One such garment espoused by fashion magazines whenever the boho look comes back into style is the ‘peasant blouse’. More often than not it is made from cheesecloth, or other gauzy, open-weave cotton, and can be embroidered or trimmed with lace or tiny bells. It is often styled off-the shoulder for that saucy, just-tumbled-in-the-hay look.

Croatian costume from Moslavina (click through for a slideshow of garments from different regions)I have a strong fondness for embroidery of all sorts, but especially for Croatian-Ukrainian styles as they make up my heritage. I wish I had conceived an interest in embroidery before my grandmother on my mother’s side (the Croatian half) had passed away, for it would have been wonderful to have been taught by her. Traditional Ukrainian garments have even made an appearance in the pages of Vogue magazine last year (see last photo).

Ukrainian costume (click through to read all about the symbols hidden within Ukrainian embroidery patterns)This cream embroidered blouse is another modern interpretation, and I like it not only for the decoration, but the pin tucking on the bodice, and the warm colours. I have worn it with floral cloisonné jewellery – a perfect match for this blouse.

Here is a picture of my great-grandmother in her traditional costume, and below that my aunt with two of her friends. (You can read the full story behind these here.) And at the bottom are some pictures of me out of the archives having some irreverent fun with tradition.

Photo: July 2016

My great-grandmother MaryMy aunt (centre) with two of her friendsI am wearing a modern tunic by Country Road (February, 2009) I am wearing a modern tunic by Country Road (February, 2009)Ukrainian folk costume had an influence on high fashion last year (click through to read the story in Vogue)