College Fashion Trend: Aztec Inspiration
While wandering around campus, I always try and keep an eye in the back of my head in order to spot any new college fashion trends. For the past month or so, I have been sporadically seeing these really interesting prints that I could not quite put my finger on. They’re not quite abstract, and they’re not 100% geometric either.
Then, as if by fate, I was flipping through an old Spanish textbook when preparing for an exam, and I came across a chapter based on the Aztecs (who we’ll discuss more in a bit). There were a few photos depicting traditional Aztec garments and viola, here’s a great college fashion trend worth writing about!
The photo featured is a picture of an Aztec dancer who still performs the traditional dances today! The detailing of the costume and color pallet of the headdress really blows me away…how could you NOT be inspired by something so exquisite?
Aztec 101: History to Inspiration
So…who are the Aztecs? The Aztecs are a Central American Indian people best known for their domination of the central and southern regions of Mexico during the 14th and 16th centuries. A few more facts about them:
1) Aztec architecture is also a notable component of Aztecan history. The aztecs are famous for their pyramids, which were used for sacrifices and religious worship.
2) Basic clothing included a breechcloth and cape. Additional accessories (especially sandals) were a sign of wealth. See the middle picture above!
3) The traditional Aztec clothing color palette included shades of deep blue, red, and yellow. Jewelry was made of copper, silver, gold, turquoise, emerald and jade.
Want to know more? Here is a great article by the History Channel.
Modern Interpretation
Contemporary Aztec-inspired pieces use the elements I mentioned above, while adding a new twist or flare to keep things modern. I have seen diverse color palettes that stray away from traditional Aztec shades, as well as an emphasis on embellishments or geometry within the fabric chosen.
Here are my favorite budget-friendly pieces, so you can get an idea of what’s out there if you decide to add an Aztec-inspired piece to your wardrobe!
Product Information (clockwise from upper left): Aztec Bangles by House of Harlow- Pink Mascara, Aztec Cozi Slipper- Alloy, Beaded Aztec Top- Charlotte Russe, Oricola Bangle- Aldo, Digital Cube Skirt- Forever 21, Anacoana Aztec Chiffon Dress- Shop Ruche
Example Ensembles:
Product Information: Beaded Aztec Top- Charlotte Russe, Bootcut Jeans in Night Sky- Eddie Bauer, Silva Large Tote- Nine West at Zappos, Suede Cuff Button Boots- Go Jane, Interlocked Bangles- Wet Seal
Product Information: Digital Cube Skirt- Forever 21, Full Tilt Henley Tank- Tilly’s, Oricola Bangle- Aldo, Tall Long Sleeve Cardi- Top Shop, BC Limousine Flat- Endless.com
To Aztec or Not to Aztec?
What are your thoughts on the Aztec-inspired trend? How can you take history or other cultures and draw inspiration from them? Is it important to stay historically accurate, or are modern interpretations just as good?
Posted on on October 21, 2009 / Filed Under: Trends / Tags: Aztec, Fall 2009, Fashion Inspiration, Geometric Print
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Isabelle
I believe my answer is no, but not because I dont like it but because I wouldn’t wear it. It’s too boho for my likes :)
Chelsey
I’m more a fan of the aztec inspired jewelry than the actual clothes. Those brown boots are really cute though.
Hannah
I like the trend on others, but it doesn’t really fit my style. Still, it’s pretty cute!
Valeria
Yes :) I’m actually in love with the second outfit. I totally see myself wearing it :) It looks comfy but still very trendy and cute. I love it. :) The skirt is gorgeous :)
Frieda
You can never go wrong with classic fashions. Please girlfriends, think about the last time you saw a female walking up the stadium isles with a classic skirt and blouse with a beautiful lapeled linen blazer , her hair pulled back neatly with a barette. Remember how you and others stared and thought how well groomed she was.That is how young college girls should dress!!!! Don’t cheapen yourselves with fad clothing. Look at how Sela Ward (a past Alabama cheerleader) dresses. Very chic!!!!
Dana
i lyk the second outfit :)
Maria
I do like your post and fashion advice but just so you know, Aztecs are Latinamerican but not from Central America. They are actually North American because along with Canada and the U.S., Mexico is part of the northern zone of the continent. Also your pyramid is Mayan, not Aztec. I´m not really an expert so I can´t say if your other facts are correct, but do check your sources.
Deanne
That dress is gorgeous! The rest of the clothes are quite nice as well; it’s good to add some interesting patterns for a little bit of wardrobe refreshment. :)
Suzi
Yes!! love it!
To answer your question, I think creative interpretations are generally best when it comes to fashion choices, not just this particular trend. Unless the intent is a very deliberate statement, a look could come across as too costumey. The outfits you put together reflect this principal excellently, I think.
Yara
I love it! However some girls should remember that with this trend less is more…
Btw, in the last line of the 2nd paragraph I spotted a typo:traditional Aztec garments and viola, here’s a great college fashion trend worth writing about!
It should be “voila” in stead of “viola”
Kristina - University of Arizona
Yara: Thanks for noticing the error…haha oops!
Anna
I like it! Well, prints like that can look really nice, if used moderately. I for one, love LOVE that skirt! And the jewellery. I recently found this old printed top of my Mum’s and it looks awesome with leggings, and a belt, but I find it works nicer when I put it on as a skirt.
Roxy
This trend is nice, but isn’t it more summer appropriate?
I can’t imagine walking round in a floaty Aztec inspired skirt in the middle of winter (however I am from England, so isn’t exactly warm here any time of the year!)
But I do think this trend looks nice in the summer with pretty Aztec sandals.
Not sure I’m totally convinced though…….
Anna L
Nice clothes but…
1.- That pyramid is Mayan , not Aztec. it is The Castle , in Chichen Itza. Completely different people and different place.
2.- The Aztecs were not in Central America, they were in what we know today as Mexico, in the central area. Mexico is in North America.
Kristina - University of Arizona
Anna:
Thank you for your concern! The pyramid featured should be the Temple Mayor of Tenochtitlan in the Valley of Mexico. The research I found stated it is in fact of Aztecan architecture, but perhaps the Mayan pyramid you mention looks very similar, or the photo I found was accidentally of the Chichen Itza.
The Aztecs are from Mexico (as you and I both mentioned) and I believe the confusion is derived from one of the sources I consulted. The information I rephrased in that sentence came from a spanish literature book. In the hispanic world there is only one America as a continent, and it is not divided into North and South America. Therefore, where Mexico is physically located towards the middle of America…aka central America.
Thank you for your comment and concern! I should definitely be more watchful of my sources and the information I publish!
XOXO
Kristina
Maria
I do think you should change some information on your post because it is misleading. I know tons of college girls read this blog (I for one) and the information should be spot on. This being said…
a. I think you should change the picture for an Aztec pyramid, such as the Sun or Moon pyramids from Tenochtitlán. This one is Mayan, there is no doubt about it.
b. Second, in the hispanic school books there is in fact one America, divided in North, South and Central America. Mexico, Canada and the U.S. make up North America. Believe me, I studied with those books.
As I said in my previous post, I love your fashion sense, but I think this mistakes should be corrected.
Mobolo
Nice inspiration!!!!
Mike
I think the Aztecs had really festive looking hats. I hope we can get back to that sort of thing one of these days.