Origins of the Term Boho Clothing

Boho clothing, also known as boho-chic, at first glance is very similar to the overall bohemian clothing term. It is true and likely they have been used by many interchangeably. A little research however shows that boho clothing is related more to the contemporary style of bohemian clothing associated with fashionistas of the current couple of decades since the nineties and naughties.

The basic explanation is that the term boho clothing mainly relates to bohemian clothing worn by contemporary fashion icons. Names such as Sienna Miller, Kate Moss, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen and Nicole Richie.

Sienna Miller’s Relation to Boho Clothing

Sienna Miller is known as a large proponent of the boho clothing wave of 2004 when seen donning the garb at Glastonbury festival that same year. She was not the originator however as she was merely continuing the legacy of the bohemian style which had been apparent since the 1950s in her stomping grounds of north Kensington, London.

Even during this quick peak the style soon grew old in the eyes of the public as boho clothing was deemed past its peak as early as 2005. Sales of boho clothing were seen to be dropping and the retailers were advised to mix the boho look with metallic elements to give it a ‘boho rock’ look to prevent stagnation and keep the style moving. The reason for this quick decline could be surmised as due to it never having been an original look in the first place. Since it is largely just a contemporary version of the standard bohemian look perhaps the boho chic look was doomed to a short lifespan from the start.

Regardless, even though it took a dive boho clothing has not been one to stay out of the running for long. It seems to make constant revivals every couple of years. 2007-2008 Ibiza saw a renaissance of the boho look with emphasis on the folky aspect of its identity. Later still during recession times of 2008-2010 popstar sensations Girls Aloud were seen to be donning boho chic once more to bring it back into the limelight anew. So although it may have its ups and downs it seems it has a lasting appeal.

Boho Clothing and Fast Fashion

Boho Blothing became closely related to what has been termed ‘fast fashion’. Fast fashion got it’s name due to the many different celebrities seeing a certain trend of clothing they liked and wanting it immediately. Since the particular style of their desire wasn’t currently being widely sold, being celebrities, they took it upon themselves to have their minions go and fetch the items for them.

So whereas highstreet stores would have planned to roll out an autumn boho fashion line in summer the celebs didn’t want to wait that long so could be seen wearing similar garb as early as autumn. Since the are such influential figures this forced many clothing companies such as the UK’s Topshop to push forward these lines to follow the trend.

It is for this reason that it has come to be known as ‘fast fashion’ since the celebrities make their minds up about wearing a certain style in the blink of an eye. The clothing companies must then keep up with the trends and deliver these same styles to the masses if they want to stay on top of their game. So Boho Clothing was also closely intertwined with this tendency for celebrities to pick fashion items which were traditionally thought of to be out of season.

So regardless of what season you are currently in you shouldn’t have to worry. Given its previous history that it won’t stay beat for long you can be fairly confident that boho clothing will be coming around most likely sooner rather than later.