How Culture Is Expressed Through Fashion Essays Example

The Egyptian culture is characterized by two extremes in regard to fashion; there is niqab and veil as well as what is referred as Shakira veil. Despite the fact that approximately 90% of the Egyptian population are Muslims, the existence of these two extremes is an indication of a juxtaposition of a nation, with a complex cultural facet, which cannot be defined in a single way. The existence of shakira veil and the niqab veils indicates a mixture of the Western and the Wahhabic culture. Currently, Egyptians tend to award a high level of focus towards the Arabic culture as well as Islamic identity; however, it is apparent that Egyptian is an identity on its own. In relation to dress code, Jalabyah also a traditional Egyptian garment play a significant role in differentiating the Egyptian tradition fashion from the fashions ascribed to Arabian culture. Jalabyah is different from the Arabian thwab and can be used to distinguish Egyptian culture from the Arabian culture. It characterized by creating a wide cut with no collar. Additionally, the Jalabyah has a longer and in some cases wide sleeves. The Egyptian jalabyah is at time sewn with wider sleeves that may be turned into pockets, which can be used to keep small items such as money or in some cases tobacco.
The Jalabyah is a dress code that is not only appreciated and valued by the Egyptian Arabs, but also other Arabian communities in countries such as Eritrea et cetera. It is usually created in varying colors, as preferred by many Arabian communities. This is also typical in Egypt, where the Egyptian Jalabyah is occurs in varying colors, shapes and sizes, an indication that Egyptians are of Arabian decent, hence practice certain Arabian cultural practices.
Turban, a traditional headgear common among Arabs and Muslim followers is another dimension of fashion common among Egyptians. Although it is not compulsory clothing requirement among Egyptian men, it is still appreciated and may be worn with the modern Jalabyahs. In some cases, it is created in a colorful manner in accordance to the desires of the wearer. Despite the fact that the turban is not common clothing, its presence among the contemporary Egyptian men is an indication of the fact that the Egyptian society is characterized by existence of Islamic beliefs and a relationship with Arabian culture. Wearing turban is also associated with nobility among Muslims and Arab descendants; the essence of existence of the Turban among Egyptian men is an indication of their value towards nobility and the belief in Islam as exhibited among Muslim Arabs. Despite the fact that, the sewing and design of Jalabyahs are conducted in a manner that meets the needs of the modern/western dimension of deign, it is apparent that there design is mainly based on the Arabian and Muslim traditional values. The current Jalabyahs are designed in varying colors, shapes and sizes, however, what one feature that has remained constant in regard to the design of this type of clothing is the fact that they are longer and surpasses the knee length. This is a typical and common design of clothing among Arabian descents as well as those who believe in the Islamic faith.

Conclusion

Taking an analysis of the discussion and the images, it is apparent that the design of the clothes, does not only meet the current fashion trends, but also the various cultural aspects of the Egyptian culture. To begin with, the images of the Jalabyahs indicates various designs, shapes and sizes, however, the common feature about these designs is the fact that all the jalabyahs are long and surpasses the knee length, a common feature of Arabian traditional garments. From a personal perspective, the use of varying colors and incorporation of images as indicated in the images of the Jalabyahs, is an indication of how the culture appreciates and values colors. In addition, the essence of designing Jalabyahs that can be worn with a turban indicates how the Egyptian society values nobility, which is usually associated with wearing a headgear, turban among Islamic Arabs.