From the Desert -- Ethnic style inspired by Bedouin Culture

Patterns worn by Bedouin woman driving her truck in the desert via National Geographic

I've always been intrigued by the Bedouin culture. Not because I was raised in Saudi, but because I've led and am leading a nomadic lifestyle, which I've only begun to appreciate now that I've realized that it was written for me.

"You may love novelty but you are very much a creature of habit. Innovation excites you, but you treasure tradition. You value independence, yet you crave commitment. " as my horoscope states, and as I confirm, I constantly have to deal with these contradictions battling in my mind. Yes, I love to travel, experience new cultures, live in different cities and environments..but that's not to say I never long for stability. I wonder how the Nomads dealt with the concept of a moving home? Then again, what is home? Is it a geographical location or is "home where the heart is?" Maybe, it's a lifelong debate that all children of a diaspora will take to their graves.

I on the other hand, have accepted my fate, as a Modern Day Gypsy. Afterall, when your mind uses up too much energy trying to "find meaning," it stops you from actually living.

--------- FROM CULTURE TO FASHION ------

Patterns and prints customarily worn by Bedouin women in the desert Via National Geographic

"Veiled to all men beyond her family, a young Bedouin woman wears the classic face covering of her people. Given only passing mention by the Koran, Islam’s holy book, the veil is an ancient custom traced to India and Persia; it was adopted by Arabia’s nomadic tribes, which enforced a strict code of female modesty."

After almost 20 years of living in a desert, I finally went on a Desert Safari. Some people had actually brought toddlers with them, I guess they had no idea what they were in for. At some point I thought the car was going to flip on its side. But I must say, it was an exhilirating experience riding through the desert, engulfed by waves of sand..literally sliding down the dunes. When we got to the campsite we had the option of riding camels and dune buggies in a confined space, so we passed on that. Instead my friend & I climbed up a high dune nearby, away from the hundreds of noisy tourists..and sat there for a while. Until, Harbi came along...
Earlier on we had spotted a four seater dune buggy,with crazy neon lights on its sides, riding around the area. Everytime he saw us, he'd wave. Obviously, we looked like the only two "foreigners" amongst the sea of persians who were there celebrating their New Year. At his 3rd attempt to lure us in, we decide to wave back and hitch a ride through the desert. Turns out the guy was a professional driver who was there practicing for his upcoming competition! We rode through the desert on the buggy, the thing didn't even have doors. Kind of scary considering the fact that he had one hand on the steering wheel most of the time, and the other on the radio... "sun is up-Inna" khaliji remix
Moving on...

From Bedouin culture to high fashion....

TRENDING NOW:

ETHNIC PRINTS AND PATTERNS - Mixing it up Desert style!

Natasha Poly Desert photoshoot Via Fashionising

I hope these photos inspire you to mix it up!
Even though the Bedouin culture has given way to oil-driven wealth and adapted to the capitalist lifestyle....It's clear that in their hearts they still long for their Nomadic roots... Everywhere around the city there are tents set up by people,as a second home they can resort to in times of stress. I guess it's a sense of nostalgia that is comforted by a feeling of detachment from modern society and its obligations. A longing for the simple life. Wait a second, I had one too, her name was Pandora!
A little F.Y.I: Camels, as pictured above, cost in the millllions....now if you're thinking of stealing one, think again. Every camel you see lingering in the desert, has an owner. They have a metal plaque engraved on their body which proves so.

It's amazing how much inspiration we can get from culture and apply it to art and fashion. Instead of numbingly following trends just for the sake of lookin' good and stylish, it's nice to dig up the stories and inpiration behind those trends....

HAPPY INSPIRATION! :)