Colures Magazine

Colures Magazine

Headwraps (a more extravagant take) at Christian Lacroix

krysstyle:

omgmaywow:

The three of us..

“Mama please take me back to the mother land”

from left to right: Joyce, jessica and me!

Headscarf, ethnic prints, “summer” glow!

I think that headscarves, when wrapped neatly and with a nice print, look really elegant and regal.  Plus, they’re perfect for the summer, especially when you want your hair out of your face.  

Isabeli Fontana

KEITH ME BY DAVID SIMS FOR VOGUE PARIS – NOVEMBER 2009

This entire editorial is a nod to ethnic prints and cultural body art.  Overall, such a cool look and Isabeli Fontana pulls it off so well.   I love the fabrics, look at that variety of textures, and the accessories, such as the classic Neck Rings reminiscent of the Ndebele people of South Africa and the Kayan/Padaung tribe of Myanmar/Thailand.   This spread is a reflection of globalization, and who else but Vogue Paris, always innovative, could successfully combine the portuguese Isabeli, with Afro-Asiatic tribal accessories, body paint, head scarfs, and a variety of nontraditional textures/fabrics?

CHOLA STYLE

Photo Set:

Isabeli Fontana channels classic chola style in a beautiful ode to this Latina American subculture.  Shot by Terry Richardson for Numero # 70 (2/2008)

I hail from a suburb on the outskirts of New York City, home to a multicultural population that has shifted over the years.  First it was Irish, then Italian, then a mix of the two. Then came the Polish, followed by the Brazilians and some Asians and East Indians. This has currently given away to the recent flood of Latin Americans: Mexico, Colombia, Venezula, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, you name the country and chances are my town is home to that country’s immigrants.  My town has become so predominantly Latino that walking down the Main St one day, my out of town friend commented, “I’m not sure whether I’m walking down a New York Street or a Mexico City.”  While some people are resentful of this onsent of immigrants, legal and illegal, I’m more towards the positive side. I find it fascinating, living in a place that is both very American and very Latino. Many Main St. stores and restaurants cater to this new demographic: Quincinera cake shops, Brazilian Rotisserie Restaurants, Tapas Bars, etc etc.

Along with the food, clothing, music has come a new subculture.  Italian Americans have the “Guido” and Latino Americans have the “Chola” or “Chonga.”

This subculture has a very specific look that includes some or all of the following. (note there are many variations so I many be missing some)

-liquid black eyeliner

-thin/excessively tweezed eyebrows

-lipliner, sometimes in a darker shade than the actual lip stick

-hair pulled back in a tight high ponytail. The scalp is very smooth, shiny, and slick while the actual ponytail can be the same or wet, gelled curly.

-Gold jewelry: Crosses or Name Plates in Script Font. Big gold hoops.

-Tattoos

-Ribbed Tank Tops

-Denim: Dark blue or stone washed

-Other displays of Catholic heritage

(**Note: Sometimes Cholas/Chongas are associated with gangs however one may dress like a Chola/emulate the lifestyle but may not actually be involved in such risky behavior**)

For a more comprehensive look at this fascinating sub culture, check out Agent Lover’s awesome feature on chola style:

http://www.agentlover.com/blog/2008/01/09/appreciating-chola-style/