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BOHEMIAN

 

Gipsy Girl, by Theodor Aman (Romanian 1831-1891), date 1884, National Gallery Bucharest
 
"Bohemian" refers to people from a region called Bohemia in Czechoslovakia, but the term has come to be associate with wagabonds, especially gypsies. The Gypsies are a nomadic people who originated in India but now live throughout Europe and Southwest Asia and refer to themselves as "Roma".

In its modern usage, the word "Bohemian" refers to anyone living an unconventional lifestyle.

In the late 50s and early 60s haute couture designers such as Yves Saint Laurent brought the Gypsy look to the upper class with luxe peasant styling (embroidered velvet rather than cotton) and ethnic accessories. Later in the 1960s the Bohemian style segued into hippie fashion, joining a revolt against convention and the 1950s emphasis on getting ahead and fitting with the crowd. The African American civil rights movement brought African touches-full afros and chunky beads to the look. Bralessness signified the freedom ushered in by the women's right movement. Some hippies went psychedelic, with tie dyed clothes reflecting the trippy sensibility.
 
 


The bohemian look is a reflection of an offbeat, artsy sensibility : the Bohemian likes to mix patterns; is fond of vibrant colors, embroidery, and fringe; and draws from a variety of peasant cultures.




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