Native Nomads: fringing

For my most recent brief, I've been given the AW16 trend Native Nomads. In all honesty, I'm not a fan of this trend. But the research I've done in the influences behind it, is actually v interesting. One thing in particular stood out to me, and I don't know if this is because I missed the memo somewhere along the line but apparently, fringing isn't just for decoration.

As you've probably guessed from the title 'Native Nomads' (if you haven't already googled it) the trend seems to stem from or share some relation with the Native Americans/Indians. Known for their snazzy get up, both cowboys and indians have since had their fashions translated into costume, with one look applying to all. Both share one particular quality: the buckskin. Obviously, this was their only means of material that was somewhat waterproof or easy to wash off the dirt or even blood after some sort of battle. But what I didn't know is that neither party liked to waste the resources that they were given.

And so came the birth of fringing. But here's the interesting part: as much as we're all guilty of at some point investing in a questionable fringed piece, the fringing actually made it easier for the rain to run off the clothes, allowing it to dry quicker and for the wearer to actually remain dry. All them years ago somebody in a tribe of a Native land figured that out???????

(http://www.missesdressy.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Officiel-Russia-April-2011.jpg)

The whole Native American look has been dragged through many trends, including boho and is often repeated in Spring/Summer collections. Although these modern interpretations of fringing is purely decorative, it's funny to think that this detail once had a purpose and was a development of a technology of sorts back in a time when people were trying to best utilise the land and resources around them. Especially in comparison to the mass production of clothes that we see today. To us it will always be just a trend, but to some it was a means of survival.