Reason: The history section needs to be expanded.
Bohemianism originally referred to a social and cultural movement that originated in France in the early 19th century. The term, derived from French "bohème," was used to describe the non-traditional lifestyles of artists, writers, musicians, and actors in major European cities. These individuals often lived in poverty and rejected conventional social norms and expectations, prioritizing art, friendship, and freedom of expression. The term "bohemian" was initially associated with the Romani diaspora, who were believed to have arrived in France from Bohemia (a region of modern Czechia). However, the movement itself was not directly connected to the Romani culture or Bohemia.
Bohemianism has evolved over time and has been embraced by various subcultures and individuals seeking alternative ways of life. In the mid-20th century, it became associated with the Beat Generation and the hippie counterculture. More recently, the term "boho-chic" has emerged to describe a fashion style that draws on bohemian and hippie influences. This style is characterized by flowing silhouettes, natural fabrics, and eclectic layering of accessories. Bohemianism continues to be a relevant concept, representing a rejection of mainstream values and an embrace of creativity, individuality, alternative lifestyles, and living in the moment.
History[]
The roots of Bohemianism as a distinct countercultural movement date back to the 19th century in Paris and surrounding areas, various years after the French Revolution. It is derived from the term "La Bohème", which used to be a slang term for Romani people living in France, who were thought to have come from the region of Bohemia in modern Czechia.
In the late 2005 it was associated particularly with actress Sienna Millerand model Kate Moss in the United Kingdom and (as "Boho-Chic") actress and businesswoman Mary-Kate Olsen in the United States. Many elements of bohemian fashion became popular in the late 1960s and some date back much further, being associated, for example, with pre-Raphaelite women of the mid-to-late 19th century.
Visuals[]
Home Decor[]
Popular house decor includes tapestries, lots of plants, macramé plant holders, salt lamps, and any DIY projects; boho-chic embraces the 'here-and-now,' and so organization is not the primary concern of the bohemian style, instead in favor of observing the present and allowing yourself to leave things as they are when the next place calls you.
Fashion[]
They wear loose, colorful clothing and has been known as boho-chic and hippie/gypsy style. Often soft witchy items are intertwined. With their long flowing hair and rich, though threadbare fabrics, bohemians stand out in a crowd representing a colorful counterculture based on creativity. Chunky jewelry isn't uncommon. If you are emulating the bohemian aesthetic, please be mindful that although some have become 'accessories,' certain forms of dress and jewelry belong to specific cultures, whose ancestral culture and deserve to be respected and not appropriated. An often overlooked misuse of culturally significant pieces would be mimicry of Native American dreamcatchers. Please allow yourself to be humble as you educate yourself about common cultural appropriation behaviors. If you are not descended from such cultures, then it is offensive to claim any tradition as your own.
Items and Accessories[]
- Chunky jewellery
- Flowing hair
- Loose fitting and flowing maxi dresses
- Shawls
- Fringed clothes – not like a cowboy
- Feathers – be careful not to engage in cultural appropriation
- Muted colours, browns, black and white
- Flower crowns
Music[]
Artists[]
- Fleetwood Mac
- Stevie Nicks
- The Beatles
- Janis Joplin
Songs[]
- Dreams by Fleetwood Mac
- Edge of Seventeen by Stevie Nicks
- Seven Wonders by Fleetwood Mac
- Duvet by bôa
- Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In by The 5th Dimension
- Gypsy by Fleetwood Mac
- Rhiannon by Fleetwood Mac
- Kiss Me by Sixpence None the Richer
- Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles
- Third Eye by Florence + The Machine
- Pagan by The Moon & The Nightspirit
- The Ballad of Lucy Gray Baird by Rachel Zegler
- Gold Dust Woman by Fleetwood Mac
- Love My Way by The Psychedelic Furs
- Babooshka by Kate Bush
- Me and Bobby McGee by Janis Joplin
- For What It’s Worth by Buffalo Springfield
Media[]
Television[]
- American Horror Story: Coven (2013)
Film[]
- Heavenly Creatures (1994)
- Midsommar (2019)
Literature[]
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare
- When Things are Alive they Hum by Hannah Bent
- Les Fleurs du Mal by Charles Baudelaire
Other[]
- La bohème – opera
- Hair - musical
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream - play
Fictional Characters[]
- Misty Day and Mallory from American Horror Story
Criticisms[]
Cultural appropriation[]
One of the main criticisms is the potential for cultural appropriation. The Bohemian aesthetic often draws inspiration from various cultures around the world, incorporating elements such as ethnic prints, patterns, and accessories. However, when these elements are taken out of their cultural context without proper understanding or respect, it can be seen as disrespectful and insensitive.
Romanticization of poverty[]
The idealization of a carefree and nomadic lifestyle can overlook the challenges and hardships faced by individuals who are marginalized or living in poverty.
Resources[]
External links to help get a better understanding of this aesthetic.
Playlists[]
Pinterest Boards[]
- To be added
Vendors[]
Gallery[]
