Boho: The style of inner freedom and self-expression

In recent years, both mass-market labels and high-couture houses have increasingly turned to the aesthetics of bohemian style in their collections. And, because this style is becoming increasingly popular, we decided to take a step back and recall its origins.

The history of boho dates back more than 200 years, yet the precise origins of this trend's aesthetics are unknown. Some bohemian scholars believe that bohemian culture emerged as a subculture following the French Revolution in the late 18th century. This was the period when patronage ceased, when the privileged privately financed the arts, and many talented people fell into poverty.

Others think that the name "Bohemian" was originally used to describe Gypsies, who were said to have arrived in France from Bohemia, an ancient medieval kingdom that is now the biggest historical area of the Czech Republic.

In any case, this term had one meaning: it denoted a part of society that led an unconventional and often nomadic lifestyle, which was reflected in their aesthetics. In clothing, it manifested itself in this way: relaxed fabrics, often with patterns and styles inspired by historical clothing and European artisans from all over the continent.

Early in the 20th century, the term "bohemian" changed from being derogatory to becoming one that even the rich desired to use. French fashion pioneer Paul Poiret encouraged women to abandon restrictive corsets in favor of looser attire during the first two decades of the 20th century by using draped textiles. He designed iconic bohemian items that went viral, like the hobble skirt, harem pants, and lampshade tunic. The aristocracy started to adopt a certain "haute Bohémien" aesthetic in an effort to be linked with the movement, which stood for individualism and free-thinking individuals.

In the twenty-first century, aesthetics, which is continuously changing, continues to advance. The hippie movement, which supported similar ideas of self-expression and the rejection of traditional values, had an impact on it. Undoubtedly, the 1969 Woodstock Music Festival marked a turning point in the history of aesthetics. Following it, fringe, ponchos, moccasins, balloon sleeves, embroidered and flaring shapes, flowery and breezy dresses, and ponchos were all in style.

After the hippie movement, "boho-chic" made a comeback and established itself as the primary look of the stars in the mid-noughties. From 2004 to 2007, there was not a single female in the city who would not dress in a bohemian manner. From Mischa Barton and the Olsen twins to Nicole Richie, their sense of style was characterized by layers, flowing fabrics, coats, and Chloé Paddington or Balenciaga City Bags.

After nearly 15 years of absence, the boho look returns in 2022 and immediately becomes a huge sensation on the catwalks. The so-called "Boho 4.0" still exhibits all the characteristics of the original boho, but it is now more eccentric and alluring. The key is to keep the rest of the ensemble basic while blending vibrant colors, patterns, textures, and styles. For a more elegant daytime appearance, pair a peasant shirt with straight-cut trousers. A shoulder bag offers a more contemporary style, much like a luxury crossbody, as opposed to a tiered maxi dress with a hobo bag.