VIM Hispanic Heritage Month
National Hispanic Heritage Month spans from September 15 to October 15, and celebrates the history and culture of Hispanic and Latin Americans, as well as their contributions to the growth of our country. During this month, we learn more about different traditions and iconic symbols that find homage in Hispanic and Latin American heritage.
Some of those iconic symbols can be translated into different fashion trends that have swept across the nation like wildfire and have been coveted throughout the decades.
Here are some fashion movements and styles that are rooted in Hispanic and Latin American culture:
By: Yazan Zalmout
Oversized: The surge of oversized and baggy styles have hit a peak in the recent few years. Hundreds of clothing stores, online websites, and vendors sell this aesthetic in high quantity. However, it’s beneficial to note that this trend has roots in Mexican American youth culture throughout American history. In the 1930’s, a subculture rose embracing the style of zoot suits, which are high waisted and wide legged trousers paired with a wide and longer coat. Many Mexican Americans wore these suits in gray or brown colors before the suit was falsely associated with criminal behavior by American media. However, this didn’t stop the youth from wearing the suits. Throughout the years the suits changed and merged with other styles, taking elements from the 30’s and mixing them with other clothing styles. For instance, in the 1960’s-70s, the longer button-down flannels became a trend within Southern California neighborhoods. Overall, it is important to note that although this trend over the years has grown in popularity, the origin must be remembered as coming from Mexican American youth culture.
By: Maia McGillis
Brownie Glazed Lips: Last September, model Hailey Bieber released a Tiktok video touting a lip combination that spiked controversy across the internet. Beginning the look with a brown liner and following it with a clear gloss, Bieber captioned the video “ready for all the fall things…including brownie-glazed lips”. This makeup look may sound familiar to you, even if her name for it does not. That’s because this style is nothing new. It’s a technique that has been used among Black and Brown women for decades, particularly in the chola subculture, which originated from first and second generation Latina women in the late 80’s and 90’s. Faced with limited shade range in the makeup industry, women of color often found themselves relying on eyeliners and eyeshadows for their lip shades. The internet’s misattribution of the lip style to Bieber is just one example of the resurgence of a style that women of color had consistently been denigrated for, only for it to gain popularity when advertised by a white woman. Of course, no one is making the claim that women outside of these cultures have to avoid the look completely- but it becomes a problem when they profit from these trends without giving credit to those who invented the looks in the first place.
By: Autumn Cottrell
Clean Girl Aesthetic (specifically slick backs): Regardless of whatever side of TikTok you’re on, you’ve probably heard of the “clean girl’ aesthetic. Slick back hair, a pair of gold hoops and glowy/ dewy skin with your favorite lip oil on deck. When I first heard the term “clean girl” aesthetic, I was at a grad party where someone complimented my outfit, adding that, “I was giving clean girl”. Still new to TikTok, I inquired what it exactly meant to be a clean girl. My friend told me it’s when you usually have your hair slicked back, lips glossed, and a pair of gold hoops. I couldn't help but chuckle, because it's a look I’ve been sporting since I’ve been going to school. As an American Black girl, it's been a part of black and brown (Hispanic/Latina(x)) women's culture to wear gold to emphasize beauty, and to wear a slick back. Thus, when the “clean girl” aesthetic began to become really trendy on Tik Tok after Hailey Bieber, Madison Beer, and Gigi Hadid popularized it, it was quickly pointed out that the aesthetic was blind to its origins, specifically from black and brown women. Due to the new products that were used to create the “clean girl” look, the price to be paid became expensive. It is important to add, however, that the “clean girl” aesthetic has become a commodification for white women to make profit off of. This is very unsettling, especially when the origins of the “clean girl” aesthetic came from latina/hispanic women slicking their hair into ponytails, and wearing gold jewelry, which has been a part of their culture for years. Anyone can wear slick backs, and gold jewelry. However, cultural recognition needs to be shown. Conveying respect to cultures and the origins of certain styles, as they come from a rich and beautiful history, is vital to proving appreciation and admiration.
By: Laasya Koduri
The Huipil: Intricate embroidery, deeply rooted in Latin American and Hispanic culture, has carved a distinctive niche in the global fashion landscape. This artistry, characterized by its attention to detail and painstaking craftsmanship, serves as a vivid testament to the rich cultural tapestry of the region. Latin American embroidery patterns, adorning dresses, blouses, and denim, evoke a sense of heritage and storytelling through every meticulously woven thread. One of the most iconic patterns is the Otomi embroidery, originating from the indigenous Otomi people of Mexico. This exquisite embroidery showcases a myriad of animals, plants, and symbols, with its intricate designs and bold vibrant colors capturing the essence of Mexican folklore. Similarly, the floral Huipil embroidery hailing from Guatemala is a marvel of precision and creativity, with each piece telling a unique narrative of Mayan traditions and beliefs. Moreover, the colorful and geometric patterns of Peruvian embroidery are a reflection of the country’s diverse landscapes and indigenous communities, often incorporating elements like llamas, cacti, and the Andean mountains. Another renowned example is the traditional Mexican serape, celebrated for its striking striped patterns and bold color combinations. Beyond Latin America, the influence of this embroidery trend has transcended borders. Runways and fashion houses across the world have embraced the artistry of Latin American craftsmanship. Whether it’s Dolce & Gabbana’s flamenco-inspired dresses or the intricate embroidery adorning a Gucci handbag, the global fashion industry has paid homage to the captivating allure of Latin American and Hispanic embroidery. In essence, this trend not only celebrates the legacy of skilled artisans, but also serves as a bridge that connects diverse cultures through the universal language of fashion.